Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS)

• LDS literally means "scarring of the skin and fat" and is a slow process that occurs over a number of years.
• Occurs in patients with long-standing venous disease resulting in chronic venous insufficiency.
• Affects the skin just above the ankle, usually on the inside surface.
  
• Over time the skin becomes brown, smooth, tight and often painful.
  
• The precise mechanism of LDS is not fully understood, but we do know that it is caused by an excessively high venous pressure in the subcutaneous veins in the lower leg.

References:

• http://www.simondodds.com/Venous/LDS.htm
• http://www.bu.edu/woundbiotech/wounds/UncommonWounds%20Gallery/pages/19..htm