Dr. Jodi Ganz, MD, is a dermatologist in private practice in Atlanta. She also serves on the volunteer faculty at Emory University, where she teaches medical students about genital dermatology.
Doctors and patients are often reluctant to examine genital skin, but Dr. Ganz does find skin cancers and lymphedema in the genital regions. Patients need to be proactive and ask for this exam if their dermatologist or gynecologist doesn’t offer it. This may be more comfortable with a provider of the same gender.
While doing skin surveys, a dermatologist is in a good position to diagnose lymphedema, even with patients who don’t realize they have it. When Dr. Ganz notices swelling or cellulitis, particularly on one side of the body, she asks about the history of the swelling, and looks for patterns of lymphedema. She tests to eliminate other skin or medical conditions that mimic lymphedema. Then, she refers patients to lymphedema therapists when appropriate.
Lymphedema patients are more prone to developing skin conditions like cellulitis, fungal and bacterial infections, hyperkeratosis, and skin cancers. This is due to the buildup of unfiltered fluid under the skin. Skin wounds are harder to heal with lymphedema, and may require special treatment. Dr. Ganz recommends regular visits with a dermatologist who knows about lymphedema. Patients also need to take meticulous care of their skin and nails to avoid serious dermatological complications of lymphedema. She recommends Happy Feet of Atlanta for medical pedicures.
Dermatology Concerns with Lymphedema and Lipedema
