Skin Care in Lipoedema
Skin and tissue health are important considerations in lipoedema management. Inflammation, changes in connective tissue and increased sensitivity can influence the condition of the skin and contribute to changes in tissue health.
Appropriate skin care supports the skin’s protective barrier, helps prevent excessive dryness and irritation, and maintains skin integrity. Incorporating these practices into everyday self-management can complement other approaches to lipoedema care.
How Does Lipoedema Affect the Skin?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition characterised by an abnormal and disproportionate accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue, most commonly affecting the lower limbs. Although lipoedema primarily affects the underlying fatty tissue, it can also influence the appearance, texture and sensitivity of the skin.
Some common skin and tissue changes associated with lipoedema include:
Easy bruising: Bruising can occur with relatively minor trauma or pressure and is frequently reported in areas affected by lipoedema, potentially reflecting increased capillary fragility.
Increased skin sensitivity: Some people experience tenderness, discomfort or hypersensitivity when the affected areas are touched, exposed to friction or compressed.
Changes in skin and tissue texture: The skin and underlying tissue can feel uneven, nodular, firm or different in texture then normal tissue.
Changes in tissue structure: Fibrotic changes within the subcutaneous tissues can contribute to increased tissue density, nodularity and changes in tissue flexibility, particularly as lipoedema progresses.
Dryness: Like anyone else, people with lipoedema can experience dry or irritated skin, which may be exacerbated by environmental factors, frequent washing or unsuitable skin care products.
Skin folds and creases: Changes in limb shape and tissue distribution can create areas where moisture, friction and irritation can accumulate, potentially increasing the risk of intertrigo (skin fold dermatitis) and skin breakdown.
Reduced skin elasticity: Changes in the skin and underlying connective tissues can affect tissue flexibility and comfort.
Note: Not everyone with lipoedema will experience these changes. Skin and tissue presentation varies between individuals and can be influenced by disease progression, individual factors and co-existing conditions.
It is also important to recognise that some people with lipoedema develop co-existing lymphoedema (sometimes referred to as lipo-lymphoedema). Additional fluid accumulation can further affect skin integrity and increase the risk of skin complications.
Why is Skin Care Important in Lipoedema?
Healthy skin provides a protective barrier against bacteria, irritants and environmental damage. When this barrier becomes compromised through dryness, cracking, irritation, inflammation or injury, bacteria can enter the skin and potentially cause infection.
For people living with lipoedema, skin care is particularly important for several reasons:
Maintaining the skin barrier
Regular cleansing and moisturising help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, reduce dryness and minimise the likelihood of cracking or irritation.
Reducing the risk of infection
Breaks in the skin provide an entry point for bacteria. This is particularly important for people who have co-existing lymphoedema or chronic oedema, as impaired lymphatic function can increase the risk of cellulitis.
Managing moisture and friction
Skin folds and creases can trap moisture and create an environment where irritation and fungal infections can develop. Keeping these areas clean and dry is an important part of preventative skin care.
Supporting overall comfort
Dryness, irritation and friction can contribute to discomfort, particularly in areas already affected by tenderness or increased sensitivity.
Practical Skin Care Tips for Lipoedema
A consistent skin care routine does not need to be complicated. Simple daily habits can help maintain skin health and reduce the risk of avoidable complications.
1. Cleanse Your Skin Gently
Regular washing helps remove sweat, bacteria, excess oils and environmental irritants.
Consider the following:
- Use lukewarm water rather than very hot water, which can contribute to skin dryness
- Choose gentle, soap-free or non-drying cleansers
- Avoid heavily fragranced products if your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation
- Avoid excessive scrubbing or vigorous exfoliation, particularly in areas that are tender or easily bruised
- Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing vigorously with a towel
2. Moisturise Regularly
Moisturising is one of the simplest ways to support skin health. Applying moisturiser regularly helps reduce water loss from the skin, maintain hydration and minimise dryness and cracking.
Some practical recommendations include:
- Apply moisturiser daily, ideally after showering or bathing
- Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser suited to your skin type
- Consider thicker creams for particularly dry areas
- Apply products gently rather than using firm massage or excessive pressure
- Allow moisturiser to absorb before putting on clothes/compression garments
There is no need for expensive or specialised products. A simple, well-tolerated moisturiser used consistently is often sufficient.
3. Pay Attention to Skin Folds and Creases
Areas where skin folds overlap can be more susceptible to moisture accumulation, friction and irritation. This may occur around the inner thighs, behind the knees, in the groin or beneath skin folds elsewhere on the body.
To help maintain skin health:
- Gently wash between skin folds each day
- Ensure these areas are thoroughly dried after bathing
- Avoid allowing moisture to accumulate
- Wear breathable clothing where possible to reduce friction and excessive sweating
- Monitor for redness, irritation, odour, itching or changes in the skin
Persistent redness, itching or a rash may indicate irritation or a fungal infection and should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
4. Protect Your Skin from Injury
Easy bruising and tissue tenderness are common experiences for people with lipoedema. Although skin care cannot necessarily prevent bruising associated with the condition, reducing avoidable skin trauma is important.
Consider:
- Wearing comfortable clothing that minimises friction
- Avoiding excessive pressure or aggressive massage over sensitive areas
- Taking care when shaving, particularly around areas of increased tenderness
- Protecting your skin from scratches, cuts and insect bites
- Using appropriate sun protection when outdoors
- Keeping fingernails and toenails trimmed to minimise accidental scratches
5. Monitor Your Skin Regularly
Taking a few minutes to check your skin daily can help identify changes early.
Look for:
- New areas of redness or irritation
- Cracks, cuts, scratches or broken skin
- Areas of increased warmth or tenderness.
- Persistent itching or rashes
- Changes in skin colour or texture
- Areas of increased swelling or fluid accumulation
If you notice changes that are persistent, worsening or unexplained, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Lipoedema and the Risk of Cellulitis
One important reason to prioritise skin care is to reduce the risk of cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues. It can develop when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, including small cuts, scratches, insect bites or areas of cracked skin.
People with lipoedema may be at an increased risk of skin infection due to changes in tissue structure, inflammation and, in some cases, impaired lymphatic function. This risk can be further increased when lymphoedema or chronic oedema is also present, as excess fluid within the tissues can compromise skin integrity and the body’s local immune defences, making the skin more susceptible to infection.
Signs and symptoms of cellulitis can include:
- Redness or discolouration of the affected area
- Increased warmth
- Pain or tenderness
- Increased swelling
- Rapidly developing skin changes
- Fever, chills or flu-like symptoms
If you suspect cellulitis, seek urgent medical assessment. Cellulitis generally requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. If not treated promptly, the infection can progress and lead to more serious complications, including systemic infection (sepsis).
Maintaining good skin hygiene, moisturising regularly and promptly managing cuts or other skin injuries can help reduce avoidable infection risk.
Key Takeaways
Skin care is an important, yet sometimes overlooked, component of long-term lipoedema management. While it does not change the underlying adipose tissue associated with lipoedema, maintaining a consistent skin care routine can help support skin and tissue health, preserve skin integrity and reduce the risk of irritation, breakdown and infection.
This becomes particularly important when lipoedema coexists with lymphoedema or chronic oedema, where additional fluid accumulation can further compromise skin health. Incorporating simple daily skin care habits alongside appropriate clinical management can help support comfort, tissue health and overall wellbeing.
References
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Lipoedema – what it is, symptoms and treatment. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/conditions/joint-and-muscle-diseases/lipoedema
Primary Care Dermatology Society. (2025). Lipoedema. https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/lipoedema
Herbst, K. L., Kahn, L. A., Iker, E., Ehrlich, C., Wright, T., McHutchison, L., Schwartz, J., Sleigh, M., Donahue, P. M. C., Lisson, K. H., Faris, T., Miller, J., Koenig, M. A., & Keith, L. (2021). Standard of care for lipedema in the United States. Phlebology, 36(10), 779–796. https://doi.org/10.1177/02683555211015887
Lymphoedema Association of Australia. (n.d.). FAQs on lymphoedema. https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/resources/FAQs%20on%20Lymphoedema/
Lipedema World Alliance. (2025). Lipedema World Alliance Delphi Consensus-Based Position Paper on the Definition and Management of Lipedema: Results from the 2023 Lipedema World Congress in Potsdam.
Disclaimer
This content is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualised advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your symptoms or health, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
