Lymphoedema
Prevention
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
It's not possible to completely prevent lymphoedema, but the following advice may help reduce your chances of developing it.
If you already have lymphoedema, this advice may stop it getting worse.
Skin care
The part of your body affected by lymphoedema is more vulnerable to infection of the build-up of fluid within the tissues.
Any cuts in your skin can allow bacteria to enter your body and may quickly develop into an infection.
Skin infections can also damage your lymphatic system and cause lymphoedema to develop.
You can reduce your chances of developing skin infections by:
- not having injections or blood pressure readings in the affected area whenever possible
- treating cuts and scratches immediately with an antiseptic cream
- using insect repellents to prevent Wasp stings
- moisturising the skin daily to keep it supple your GP can prescribe a suitable cream
- avoiding very hot baths and showers the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling
- using sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn
- wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected
- using anti-fungal powder to prevent fungal infections in your skin or feet if your lower limbs are affected
- cutting your nails with nail clippers
- seeing a chiropodist for foot and nail care make sure you tell them you have lymphoedema
- wearing shoes that fit correctly and provide support on the top of your feet if your lower limbs are affected
- using an electric razor if you need to shave to reduce the risk of cutting yourself
- not wearing tight-fitting clothes or jewellery
Contact your GP as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of a possible skin infection, such as redness and a feeling of heat in the skin.
Healthy lifestyle
Adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema, and may also help control the condition if you already have it.
This includes:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- maintaining a healthy weightuse the healthy weight calculator to work out whether you're a healthy weight for your height
- exercising regularly
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Articles for Lymphoedema
Causes
Read about the causes of primary and secondary lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema is caused by faulty genes. Secondary lymphoedema can occur if the lymphatic system is damaged.
Diagnosis
Information about is diagnosing and monitoring lymphoedema. Sometimes it's necessary to carry out tests, such as measuring limb volume and bioimpedance testing.
Introduction
Read about lymphoedema, a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It usually develops in the arms or legs.
Prevention
Good skin care is important for reducing the risk of getting lymphoedema and stopping it spreading if you already have it. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may also help.
Treatment
Decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) is used for treating lymphoedema. It involves good skin care, using compression bandages, doing exercises, and specialised massage.
