Which of the following is a hallmark of phlebolymphostatic edema rather than pure lipedema?

• A. Weeping skin changes and bilateral swelling
• B. Unilateral swelling with foot sparing
• C. Isolated hand edema
• D. Facial puffiness

Answer: (A)

Phlebolymphostatic edema comes from venous insufficiency with lymphatic involvement, so the swelling often accompanies skin changes from venous stasis. When the skin becomes weepy or oozing, that watery leakage reflects ongoing venous-related skin damage and inflammation, which together with edema on both legs is a hallmark of this condition. Lipedema, by contrast, is due to excess subcutaneous fat and typically causes symmetric leg swelling that largely spares the feet, with minimal or no skin breakdown or weeping. So, the presence of weeping skin changes plus bilateral swelling points to phlebolymphostatic edema rather than pure lipedema.