Lymphedema in Focus: From Diagnosis to Long-Term Care

Welcome back, DERM Community!

Last week, we explored the complex interplay of stasis dermatitis and chronic venous insufficiency, highlighting how vascular health shapes skin outcomes.

This week, we turn our focus to another challenging condition often encountered in dermatology and primary care:

Lymphedema

While commonly viewed as a localized swelling problem, lymphedema reflects deeper issues in lymphatic drainage and often signals systemic or regional pathology. Early recognition and comprehensive management are key to preventing irreversible skin changes and complications.

Featured on This Week’s Chapter:

Understanding and Managing Lymphedema

• Recognizing clinical features that distinguish lymphedema from other causes of limb swelling such as lipedema or venous edema

• The pathophysiology of lymphatic obstruction and its impact on tissue health

• Diagnostic approaches: when to use imaging and biopsy

• Multimodal management strategies beyond compression therapy

What is Lymphedema?

It is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis resulting from venous hypertension, most commonly affecting the lower extremities. It is characterized by:

• Erythema, pruritus, scaling, and lichenification

• Brownish discoloration due to hemosiderin deposition

• Edema and skin atrophy in advanced stages

• Risk of venous ulceration and secondary infection

Unlike other dermatoses, successful management of stasis dermatitis requires addressing both cutaneous inflammation and underlying venous pathology.

Need more than just an infographic?

 We Made You a Free, Downloadable Guide:

Want to see real cases with real outcomes?

Our dedicated Lymphedema Module offers case-based learning to support diagnosis and long-term management of patients with venous-related dermatoses.

Everything you need in one place!

Looking for a job?

Whether you’re actively exploring new opportunities or just curious about what’s available, now is the perfect time to discover dermatology roles focusing on lymphatic and vascular skin conditions.

Why browse now?

• Find positions with specialized wound and lymphatic care focus

• Discover roles offering leadership and innovation in multidisciplinary teams

• Explore telemedicine and research opportunities advancing lymphatic medicine
  

Explore new locations, new teams, or new modalities (hello, AI-driven diagnostics!)

👋🏻 See you next Thursday, DERM community!

Thanks for joining us on Beneath the Surface.

Lymphedema may start quietly, but its impact on patients is profound and lifelong.

Our mission? Identify it early, know when to collaborate, and treat beyond the swelling.

If today’s insights brought clarity on lymphedema, share them widely with colleagues, trainees, or wound care teams.

— The Derm for Primary Care Team