Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom associated with lipodermatosclerosis?

1. Severe itching

2. Skin discoloration

3. Local swelling

4. Skin rigidity

The correct answer is: Skin rigidity

Lipodermatosclerosis is characterized by changes in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, particularly in the lower extremities, often linked to chronic venous insufficiency. A significant symptom associated with this condition is skin rigidity. This rigidity manifests as the skin becoming taut and thickened, largely due to the inflammatory process that influences the connective tissue and leads to fibrosis. As lipodermatosclerosis progresses, these fibrotic changes contribute to the loss of elasticity in the skin, leading to its stiff appearance and reduced mobility in the affected area. Other symptoms often observed in lipodermatosclerosis may include skin discoloration and local swelling, but they do not possess the same hallmark significance as skin rigidity in the context of the condition's pathology. Severe itching may occur in various dermatological conditions but is not typically a defining or common symptom associated specifically with lipodermatosclerosis. The emphasis on skin rigidity in this context highlights the chronic nature of the condition and its impact on skin integrity and appearance, making it a defining characteristic in the clinical assessment of patients suffering from this disorder.