Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis describe a common condition – changes in skin on lower legs as a result of venous insufficiency. Patients in the North County San Diego area trust Dr. Amanda Lloyd in Encinitas for personalized care to manage lipodermatosclerosis as she is an expert in the field and is a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Cause and Symptoms

Lipodermatosclerosis is related to elevated pressure in leg veins (called venous hypertension), the result of leaky valves in those veins. Inflammation occurs as pressure backs up into capillaries, the small vessels. The slowing of the blood flow through the capillaries results in sludging and a buildup of toxins, which damage the skin. The condition occurs most frequently at middle age or later, in individuals who have excess weight.

Lipodermatosclerosis may appear on the lower, inner portion of one or both legs. Symptoms include:

• Tender, warm inflammation above the ankle
• Scaling skin
• Hardening of skin (induration)
• Thickened skin
• Changes in pigmentation – an area of red, tan, or brown skin, sometimes with small flecks of white scarring
• Swelling from edema – increased fluid in the leg
• Change in leg shape, sometimes compared to an inverted champagne bottle or bowling pin

Lipodermatosclerosis may be accompanied by varicose veins and venous ulcers.

Customized Care

Once it becomes established, lipodermatosclerosis is a chronic condition. However, it can be effectively managed by Dr. Amanda Lloyd working with you to reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and improve comfort and appearance. She begins with conservative compression therapy to increase blood flow. Then, treatment progresses to advanced techniques such as sclerotherapy, ultrasound therapy, endovenous laser ablation, and oral medications, as necessary.

At Skin & Vein Institute, patients with lipodermatosclerosis get the benefit of expertise in vein treatment and dermatology under one roof. In addition to treating the root cause of lipodermatosclerosis – the venous insufficiency, Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Amanda Lloyd, provides dermatological care to heal and refine affected skin.

Your legs deserve this level of specialized attention. Call Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas at (760) 642-6674 (new patients) or (760) 452-2080 (existing patients) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Amanda Lloyd, a Board-Certified dermatologist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.