Is aspirin a valid treatment for Lipodermatosclerosis?

A dermatologist diagnosed my 79 yr old mom with Lipodermatosclerosis and recommended she see her primary care physician. He told her only to take aspirin and elevate her legs 3 times a day for 15 minutes each time. Should I be concerned about this?

Answers from doctors (6)


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Published on Aug 10, 2017

Unfortunately, lipodermatoscerlosis is progressive and it can be reversed only in the acute stages with a steroid pack. Steroids reduce the inflammation and therefore pain in this type of acute flare up. Long term steroid use is NOT helpful.

The hope for treating venous insufficiency is to reduce the progression to chronic stages and development of venous stasis ulcers.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7742_1500327131.jpg
Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI , RPhS

Unfortunately, lipodermatoscerlosis is progressive and it can be reversed only in the acute stages with a steroid pack. Steroids reduce the inflammation and therefore pain in this type of acute flare up. Long term steroid use is NOT helpful.

The hope for treating venous insufficiency is to reduce the progression to chronic stages and development of venous stasis ulcers.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Jul 07, 2014

The most important issue is determining the underlying cause of the sclerosis and treating it. The aspirin and elevation are, at best, marginally treating her symptoms.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1189_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The most important issue is determining the underlying cause of the sclerosis and treating it. The aspirin and elevation are, at best, marginally treating her symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 07, 2014

Taking an aspirin once a day is mentioned on the list of treatments, but this condition can be caused by venous insufficiency, which would need to be addressed if she wants to have effective treatment. Finding a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology would be the first thing on the list. Next, I would request an ultrasound be performed on the legs to find out if there is in fact venous insufficiency in the legs. If so, that can be treated and with proper treatment, hopefully the physical manifestations on the skin with reduce.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Taking an aspirin once a day is mentioned on the list of treatments, but this condition can be caused by venous insufficiency, which would need to be addressed if she wants to have effective treatment. Finding a physician that is accredited by the American College of Phlebology would be the first thing on the list. Next, I would request an ultrasound be performed on the legs to find out if there is in fact venous insufficiency in the legs. If so, that can be treated and with proper treatment, hopefully the physical manifestations on the skin with reduce.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 07, 2014

Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS) is due to venous insufficiency. Treatment of the offending veins when possible can halt and sometimes reverse the process. I am not sure what aspirin will do for LDS, but leg elevation, wearing compression stockings, and taking Vasculera can help treat this problem if vein treatment is not possible.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS) is due to venous insufficiency. Treatment of the offending veins when possible can halt and sometimes reverse the process. I am not sure what aspirin will do for LDS, but leg elevation, wearing compression stockings, and taking Vasculera can help treat this problem if vein treatment is not possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 04, 2014

Your mom should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation, including a venous ultrasound of both the deep and superficial systems of veins. The most common cause of lipodermatosclerosis is underlying venous insufficiency. There are many ways of treating this, and your mom's age is not a contraindication to treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your mom should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation, including a venous ultrasound of both the deep and superficial systems of veins. The most common cause of lipodermatosclerosis is underlying venous insufficiency. There are many ways of treating this, and your mom's age is not a contraindication to treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


I would recommend an evaluation by a vein center to perform an evaluation of your legs for vein insufficiency which could be causing these skin changes. Also, I would recommend compression stockings to be worn during the day and removed at night - 30-40mmHg compression. You will need a prescription- either from your PCP or whomever evaluates your legs. It is not an emergency but I would pursue evaluation sooner than later because there is treatment for this condition and it could worsen into ulcers over time.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

I would recommend an evaluation by a vein center to perform an evaluation of your legs for vein insufficiency which could be causing these skin changes. Also, I would recommend compression stockings to be worn during the day and removed at night - 30-40mmHg compression. You will need a prescription- either from your PCP or whomever evaluates your legs. It is not an emergency but I would pursue evaluation sooner than later because there is treatment for this condition and it could worsen into ulcers over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Venous Reflux Exams

Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
I was told when I was 42 that I have PAD and leaking valves in my lower legs causing Hemosiderin staining. Is there anything that can be done to remove the staining from my legs?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
I have swelling above the left knee, which was noticed 3 months ago. I had an ultrasound that revealed no deep vein thrombosis (DVT), just vein reflux and stasis. I've been wearing compression stockings, but the swelling is still there. I'm worried. Should I have further testing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I've had two separate venous ultrasounds done at two different clinics. Neither showed much reflux, yet symptoms still persist. Can very mild reflux cause lots of pain in legs or is this typically only seen in people with a more significant amount of reflux? Are there other problems that could be causing symptoms similar to vascular/vein issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
My vein mapping test showed reflux and weak veins. The test was done because of pain in leg and varicose veins. I had a DVT in that leg 2 yrs ago. Is the procedure to correct this urgent? Can it be delayed or not done at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I have varicose veins. For the past two months I have had severe pain and swelling in my ankles. I have no arthritis. Can the pain and swelling be from the varicose veins? Am to have a venous reflux exam next week.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
How does this treatment measure my veins effectiveness?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
In April I had a blood clot in my thigh, behind my knee and in my calf. I had another really bad calf cramp, so my doctor sent me for another doppler, which showed I had developed another clot in my calf. He said that I would have swelling for life. Is he right?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I am 24 years old, and I have spider veins and visible blue veins behind knees on both legs. Ultrasound showed 0.4 sec reflux in GSV right leg. Some doctors told me this is normal, but is it normal? And, if not, is it dangerous or weird for my age? I am scared and confused. Can you offer any advice?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
All of my ultrasounds have been done while lying down. I am concerned that the test results may not be as accurate because of that. Can you clarify whether it is best to have a venous reflux exam performed when lying down or standing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I am thin and have had prominent calf veins for years without pain. I began working out and now my greater saphenous vein and the veins in the back of my thighs bulge. I have pain in my legs that I feel is due to these veins. My ultrasound was normal and no reflux was found. What's going on?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Hello, I am interested in radiofrequency ablation of my greater saphenous veins. Last month an ultrasound showed continuous reflux at both greater saphenous junctions. I had no caffeine that day. I had another ultrasound today (after having 4 cups of coffee), and there was no reflux! Can consuming caffeine change the results of a person's reflux exam?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was recently diagnosed with Venous insufficiency of 0.7s. My understanding is that this is grade 1 venous reflux. Does this need to be treated with EVLT? Will it get worse if left untreated?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had venous doppler of low extremities to rule out DVT due to swelling in left thigh. It showed no clots, but showed that I have severe reflux in common femoral and femoral veins. Could this be due to a clot that was missed?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I pay $1,000 a month for my insurance policy with BCBS, yet they will not cover ANY of my vein issues. I am in terrible pain all the time, my knee and calf are very swollen and it's affecting my walk. I have been diagnosed with venous reflux. Can I appeal the insurance company's decision? If so, how do I do that?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -3 answers
A venous return exam discovered that I have two chronic DVTs in my common femoral and iliac veins (right side). I have had many cath's and, more recently, stenting of left common iliac vein. Now, I've been dx with meralgia paresthetica on the right side. Could chronic dvt cause this?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I know there is vein disease and arterial diseases that can cause leg pain. When someone has a duplex ultrasound done are the arteries and veins both checked for issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Can a L4-5, L5-S1 injury restrict the blood flow in my left leg? When I received an injection in my hip for the inflammation associated with my back, the blood flow started to backup in my lower leg. Is there treatment to fix this? There is reflux present within the left common femoral vein.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -5 answers
I've heard there are different types of venous reflux exams. What are they?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
Would elevating her legs to my shoulders while lying in bed and massaging her legs from ankles to thighs help at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency which was treated, but left me with scars from the sores and leg discoloration. I wonder if there is anything with lasers perhaps which can eliminate the scars and at least lighten the discoloration.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR