The accurate diagnosis and treatment of lipodermatosclerosis

Patients attending hospital expect to receive effective evidence-based treatment that improves health and minimises the risk of harm. Clinicians working in acute hospitals are often under pressured to treat people quickly and in such circumstances, some conditions can be misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated. This article uses a case study approach to illustrate the important differences in clinical presentation and treatment of acute and chronic lipodermatosclerosis and cellulitis. It also highlights the importance of clinicians receiving ongoing education so that they can improve their knowledge and provide appropriate care for older people. The article also recommends that national guidelines are developed to enable clinicians to differentiate between infective disorders such as cellulitis and venous disorders so that patients receive prompt effective evidence-based treatment.