What is it about?
Lipoedema is an adipose tissue disorder almost exclusively affecting women. Evidence shows lipoedema is both poorly recognised and misdiagnosed which results in many women struggling to get a diagnosis and to gain access to specialist NHS services.
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Why is it important?
This article aims to raise awareness of lipoedema and highlight the main role that community and primary care nurses can play in identifying this long-term condition earlier. It provides detail on the condition to help signpost, refer for diagnosis and initiate conservative management for those individuals with this challenging condition. It is hoped the article will lead to improved access to services for individuals with Lipoedema.
Perspectives
The plight of women with Lipoedema cannot be under-estimated. Diagnosis is usually far too late for many and it is a battle to have their myriad of symptoms heard and understood in any healthcare setting. It is hoped that with a political emphasis on the subject of Women’s health the profile of this challenging condition can be elevated and that the much needed understanding, care, specialist service provision and research can be advanced.
Mary Warrilow
Lipoedema UK
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Lipoedema: a neglected area of women's health, British Journal of Community Nursing, April 2023, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2023.28.sup4.s16.
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