Is Cellulitis One of the Lipedema Symptoms?
Many lipedema symptoms that begin appearing over time when somebody suffers from this condition. Unfortunately, most people – even those working in healthcare – remain unaware of most of these symptoms. With this in mind, it’s essential for anyone who thinks they have lipedema to know what signs to look for. Cellulitis is common among lipedema sufferers, but is this condition a symptom of the disease?
Cellulitis – What Is It?
Cellulitis is a skin infection. The skin can become swollen, hot, and painful. Often, the skin starts looking red, and it might begin to blister. The cause of cellulitis is bacteria that infects the deep layers of the skin through breaks in the skin. Skin can be broken through scratches, cuts or abrasions.
Why Do People with Lipedema Develop Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is especially common in people with poor circulation in their legs and feet due to excess weight. It’s also common in people who find moving around difficult. Cellulitis is also often found in people with lymphedema and those with poor lymphatic function. All of these characteristics apply to people with lipedema. Nevertheless, cellulitis isn’t a symptom of lipedema; it is something that can arise due to the condition.
Also Read – Are Lipomas and Lipedema the Same Thing?
What Are the Symptoms of Lipedema?
There are several signs and symptoms that indicate you may have lipedema. At first, these are often tricky to spot, but as the condition progresses, they become increasingly apparent. The most common signs you might have lipedema could include:
- Symmetrical swelling in the legs which creates a column-like look
- Unexplained bruising in the legs
- Heaviness and tenderness in the affected limbs
- A larger lower body than the upper body (often by several sizes)
- Your skin has areas that feel like pearl-sized lumps. As the disease progresses, these lumps may feel larger (more like walnuts or even plums).
Do I Have Lipedema?
If you think you have lipedema, you must seek out a specialist to get a diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, most family doctors have a poor understanding of lipedema. They frequently misdiagnose patients, informing them that they’re suffering from obesity instead. That typically results in a delayed diagnosis, during which time the condition worsens, causing more pain and discomfort. Finding a specialist ensures you get the help you need swiftly.
The quicker you can receive your lipedema diagnosis, the faster you can receive treatment. A specialist can offer you the best possible treatments, including surgery.
Liposuction is the surgical treatment option for lipedema sufferers. This treatment improves patients’ quality of life, helping them become more mobile while experiencing less pain. Liposuction also helps restore the lower body to a more proportionate appearance so patients experience better self-confidence. Their self-esteem improves, and they can enjoy a more positive, active lifestyle. Liposuction is also a long-lasting lipedema treatment. Although it cannot cure patients, it offers significant benefits over more conservative treatment options like compression garments and MLD (manual lymphatic drainage).
To find out more about whether you’re experiencing lipedema symptoms, contact Dr. Su at ArtLipo today to arrange a consultation. As a specialist in the condition, he can help you get the most suitable treatment for you.
