STAGE I
It is characterised by stagnation of fluid in the tissues (oedema).
SIGNS
‘Orange peel’ on the skin is only visible when the affected area is squeezed.
STAGE II
Characterised by swelling of fat cells and initial thickening of fibrous
connective tissue (reactive fibrosis).
SIGNS
The ‘orange peel’ is visible even without compression, it appears colder to the touch, there is an orange peel.
colder to the touch, there is an initial loss of elasticity. The first micro nodules
the first micro nodules begin to appear.
STAGE III
It is characterised by further stiffening of the fibrotic bundles that compress the adipocyte clusters.
SIGNS
Micro- and macro nodules appear on the skin, painful to the touch, which
giving it a characteristic mattress-like appearance. The affected area is sluggish, cold and discoloured.
STAGE IV
This is the end result of irreversible degeneration of adipose tissue.
SIGNS
The skin has a characteristic ‘mattress’ appearance. Macro nodules reach such a size that they press on nerve endings and cause intense pain.