[Lymphedema-clinical picture and therapy]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Vascular Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Local edema is a common symptom in skin diseases, particularly inflammatory or allergic reactions.
• Lymphedema arises from primary genetic factors or secondary causes like surgery, inflammation, or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
• Protein-rich microfiltrate accumulation in tissues due to lymphatic dysfunction leads to fibrosis, causing characteristic skin changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes, clinical signs, and management of lymphedema.
• To highlight the role of the lymphatic system in maintaining skin health.
• To emphasize the importance of treating comorbidities in lymphedema patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of lymphedema.
• Analysis of clinical signs and diagnostic approaches.
• Overview of therapeutic strategies, including complex decongestive therapy (CDT).

Main Results:

• Lymphedema manifests with edema, pachydermia, papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica, hyperkeratosis, lymph cysts, lymph fistulas, and nail dystrophies.
• Complex decongestive therapy (CDT), including manual lymph drainage, compression, exercise, and skin care, is the primary treatment.
• Comorbidities like obesity and diabetes mellitus can worsen lymphedema and require concurrent management.

Conclusions:

• Lymphedema involves significant lymphatic system dysfunction leading to characteristic skin changes.
• Comprehensive management, including CDT and addressing comorbidities, is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Early diagnosis and consistent therapy can mitigate the long-term sequelae of lymphedema on the skin.