Kerchner K, Fleischer A, Yosipovitch G, et al.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Date of publication 2008 Aug 1;volume 59(2):324-31.
1. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Aug;59(2):324-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.04.013. Epub
2008 May 29.
Lower extremity lymphedema update: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment
guidelines.
Kerchner K(1), Fleischer A, Yosipovitch G.
Author information:
(1)Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine,
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
Comment in
J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Dec;59(6):1092.
Lower extremity lymphedema is an important medical issue which causes morbidity
and is frequently seen by dermatologists. The subject has not been adequately
addressed in dermatologic literature for many years. Primary lymphedema is caused
by an inherent malfunction of the lymph-carrying channel, in which no direct
outside cause can be found. Secondary lymphedema is caused by an outside force,
such as tumors, scar tissue after radiation, or removal of lymph nodes, which
results in dysfunction of the lymph-carrying channels. Treatment is based on
rerouting the lymph fluid through remaining functional lymph vessels. This is
accomplished through elevation, exercises, compression garments/devices, manual
lymph drainage, and treatment is combined with good skin care practices.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.04.013
PMID: 18513827 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
