These were my partner’s legs today before nurses finally acknowledged that she might need a dressing. (Sorry to do this to you, not for the squeamish) My partner is 37, this type of odema or swelling is something I’d only expect to see in elderly people. In this case it is the result of medication which helps her with her depression. She says that older relatives of hers have suffered from it (but it only started after the change of meds), but it has got much worse since she has been in the ward and as a result she was told to keep the legs elevated (this is difficult because the bed situation is complicated - see previous) The skin tightens, dries and cracks and watery liquid comes out. It also has a faint odour, like a butcher’s shop. The ward is warm, it mixes with sweat. I have to take her slippers and pajama leggings home to wash. A junior doctor did look at them some days ago, but practical help only occurred today. Communication is very poor on the wards. (Bradgate Mental Health Unit, Leics, UK)