TUESDAY TIDINGS -Lymphedema

LYMPHEDEMA RISK REDUCTION PRACTICES

1. Skin Care - Avoid trauma / injury to reduce infection risk

• Keep extremity clean and dry
• Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chafing of skin2
• Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles
• Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent
• Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation
• If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws
• Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., washing
dishes, gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent)
• If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics,
and observe for signs of infection (i.e. redness)
• If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like
symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately for early treatment of
possible infection

2. Activity / Lifestyle

• Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise
• Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery
• Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape,
tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness
• Maintain optimal weight

3. Avoid Limb Constriction

• If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken on the at-risk extremity
• Wear loose fitting jewelry and clothing

4. Compression Garments

• Should be well-fitting
• Support the at-risk limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e.
weight lifting, prolonged standing, running) except in patients with open wounds
or with poor circulation in the at-risk limb
• Consider wearing a well-fitting compression garment for air travel

Information taken from http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnriskreduction.pdf