Characteristics of lymphedema staging: Lymphedema refers to the obstruction of lymphatic return in a certain part of the body, causing soft tissue fluid to repeatedly infect the skin surface after which subcutaneous fibrous connective tissue proliferates and fat hardens. If it is a limb, it will become thicker. In later stages, the skin becomes thickened, rough, and tough like elephant skin, also known as "elephantiasis." Below, we will look at the characteristics of lymphedema staging.
Characteristics of lymphedema staging:
According to the WHO-recommended method for staging lymphedema, limb lymphedema is divided into seven stages (Ⅶ).
**Stage Ⅰ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling can subside after nighttime bed rest, with very few occurrences of acute bacterial infections or unpleasant odors.
**Stage Ⅱ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, occasionally accompanied by acute bacterial infections, skin damage, or mild odor.
**Stage Ⅲ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, with one or more skin folds on the swollen skin. Occasionally, there are acute bacterial infections, often accompanied by skin damage and noticeable odors.
**Stage Ⅳ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, accompanied by tumor-like protrusions. The swollen skin has uneven hard lumps or tumor-like nodules. Some patients occasionally experience acute bacterial infections, often accompanied by skin damage and odors.
**Stage Ⅴ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, accompanied by deep skin folds. Occasional or frequent acute bacterial infections occur, with most patients having skin damage and odors between the toes or in deep skin folds. Swelling may extend above the knee.
**Stage Ⅵ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, accompanied by lichenoid feet. There are many small, clustered elongated or round nodules on the feet (especially the toes), forming a lichenoid appearance, known as lichenoid feet. Acute bacterial infections occur, and almost all patients have skin damage and odors between the toes, often accompanied by skin cracks.
**Stage Ⅶ lymphedema characteristics:** Swelling does not subside after nighttime bed rest, accompanied by self-care obstacles for the patient. Frequent acute bacterial infections occur, with large deep skin folds on the lower or upper limbs. Persistent skin damage and obvious odors exist within the deep folds and between the toes. Most patients' swelling extends above the knee. Patients at this stage cannot independently perform daily activities.
The characteristics of lymphedema staging? The above is a detailed introduction by experts on the characteristics of lymphedema staging, hoping to help you. If you have more questions, you can consult online with experts from Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital. Finally, I wish you good health.
For more details, please visit the lymphedema special section of Shanxi Yikang Peripheral Vascular Hospital: http://www.sxykmgy.com/linbashuizhong/ or consult the experts for free. Experts will provide detailed answers based on the specific conditions of the patients.
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