Unpiting edema
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nonpitting edema causes patient information
Non-pitting edema is swelling that does not leave a dent after pressing firmly on the skin for several seconds.
It usually occurs when swelling is due to protein-rich fluid or tissue changes, rather than simple fluid overload. Common causes include:
- Lymphedema: impaired lymph drainage, often affecting one limb, sometimes after surgery, radiation, infection, or cancer.
- Myxedema from hypothyroidism: classically causes dry/coarse skin, puffiness around the eyes, and non-pitting swelling. Textbook descriptions attribute this to glycosaminoglycan accumulation.
- Pretibial myxedema associated with Graves' disease, causing firm, non-pitting swelling over the shins, as described by Cleveland Clinic.
- Lipedema: symmetric enlargement of the legs, often painful or tender and usually sparing the feet.
- Chronic, advanced lymphedema can make skin thickened and firm.
Seek urgent assessment if swelling is new and one-sided with pain, redness, warmth, fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, because conditions such as infection or a blood clot must be excluded.
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