Options For Treating Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis is the name of a condition epitomized by changes in the skin in the lower legs. It is caused by inflammation of the fat layer under the skin. Several symptoms accompany this condition, and they include hardening of the skin, change in skin color, pain, swelling, and tapering above the ankles. It can also cause varicose veins, thickening of the skin, open sores, and small white scarred areas. And, if the person has diabetes in addition to lipodermatosclerosis, if they get open sores, they will be hard to heal and could present further conditions. While the cause of lipodermatosclerosis is not really known, there are causal relationships with obesity and venous insufficiency. Many obese individuals have this condition and experience the all the complications that come along with it. There are several ways a doctor can try to treat lipodermatosclerosis. Get to know them now.

Weight Loss

Weight loss is a great way to try to get lipodermatosclerosis under control. Since many individuals with lipodermatosclerosis are overweight, it stands to reason that losing weight will help. Increased weight leads to more pressure on the veins, which causes them to leak and creates increased fluid retention. Improvement, however, will not be quick because it does take some and serious effort to lose weight the proper way. Sometimes when morbidly obese individuals have weight loss surgery, it can help with losing weight faster and reduced swelling in the legs and ankles. Patients should consult with their doctor before starting any weight loss or diets programs. But once the doctor approves a plan, patients should do everything they can to adhere to it, so they can lose weight safely and healthily. Losing weight will not only help a patient with lipodermatosclerosis, but it will help with other medical issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Learn more about how to treat lipodermatosclerosis now.

Compression Socks

Another way of trying to control lipodermatosclerosis is to wear compression socks, which help force excess blood from the legs back into the circulatory system, reducing swelling in the legs and ankles. This helps relieve some of the pain and discomfort that comes along with the condition and allows the skin to not be stretched as far, thus reducing the chance of open sores. One of the best features of this treatment is it can work relatively fast and is non-invasive. As long as the patient consults with their doctor, compression socks can be successful. The doctor needs to make sure the level of compression is appropriate for their patient's condition. Patients do not want to cut the circulation off in their leg, so getting the right one is important.

Continue reading now to learn more about treating lipodermatosclerosis effectively.