- Do not ignore any slight increased swelling, heaviness or discoloration. Measure, or have someone measure your at-risk area/limb at least twice a month. It’s important to note any increase or decrease in size. Contact your therapist if you notice drastic changed in your limb.
- Never allow an injection, IV, blood pressure cuff or blood draw in the affected area. Wear an LE alert bracelet and place an LE caution sticker on all medical record covers. Never allow lymphography or venography of the affected limb.
- Keep the skin of the affected limb clean and dry, especially between toes and fingers. If you perspire heavily, use talcum to help keep the area dry. Use hypo allergenic soaps and deodorants as recommended by your therapist. Use pH-balanced lotion after bathing and a blow dryer (on cool air only) to help dry areas. Do not use lotions that contain mineral oils, dyes, perfumes, alcohols, petroleum, or lanolin.
- Avoid tight and restrictive clothing or jewelry. Redness and indentation may be a sign of insufficient drainage due to tight clothing. Arms: Breast cancer survivors who have had mastectomies should wear light breast prostheses. No under wire bras should ever be worn. Wear well-fitted bras with no wire support. Bra straps should not be too tight, this helps prevent edema from developing. A wider shoulder strap is recommended with foam padding inserts and padding at the band. Tight jewelry will also constrict the extremity, and should not be worn. Legs: Clothes (including underpants/panties) should be loose around both the waist and thighs. Do not wear a tight belt; instead use suspenders to keep your trousers up.
- Avoid trauma (bruising, cuts, sunburn, or other scratches). Immediately apply topical antibiotic cream to bites and scratches. If you’re experiencing swelling in the hand and/or fingers, try to avoid knocking on objects with the affected limb.
- Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance. Exercise is important, but consult with your physician or LE therapist for specifics. Do not overtire the extremity. If it begins to ache, lie down and elevate it without compression. DO NOT pick up heavy loads with an at-risk arm. Do not carry heavy handbags on the affected arm or pick up heavy grocery bags.
- Wear compression garments at all times during all waking hours. Never wear your compression garment while you sleep. Bandage the affected limb at night before bedtime. If you are unable to bandage yourself, consult with your therapist for an alternative compression solution. Wear a compression garment when traveling by air if you have or are at-risk for LE. The pressure changes can cause your affected limb to increase dramatically. A long flight may require additional bandages. Move the extremity often and drink plenty of water. On extended trips, flex and stretch the fingers or toes and if possible move the limb around.
- Make sure your compression garment is well-fitted. If your compression garment does not cover the fingers, hand, or the lower foot, and any swelling occurs as a result of wearing the compression garment, consult your therapist at once. See your therapist for follow-up and replacement every 4-6 months.
- Make sure the underclothes, compression garments, and bandages are washed regularly. Wash the compression garment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use an electric razor to remove hair from the at-risk extremity. If you must use a razor please exercise care when shaving legs or under arms. Cleanse razor blades with hot, soapy water and change the blades frequently. A razor cut should be treated immediately with a topical antibiotic ointment. Watch for signs of inflammation and infection at the injury site.
- Maintain your ideal weight with a well-balanced diet and drink a lot of water. Avoid smoking or alcoholic beverages. LE is a high-protein element in the lymph fluid; rather, this will weaken the connective tissue and possibly worsen the condition.
- Check for and treat fungi, ingrown nails, calluses or pressure areas. Be careful when cutting nails; do not cut the cuticle or push too hard, this can injure the tissue and allow bacteria to enter, thus leading to an infection. Instead, gently ease back the cuticle with a cotton covered swab. If you sew, wear a thimble. Wear gloves or closed shoes while doing housework, gardening or any type of work that could result in even a minor injury to the at-risk area. Never cut calluses on the heel or sole.
- Try not to lie on an arm at risk when sleeping or resting.
- WARNING: See a physician immediately if you notice a rash, blistering, redness, heat, pain, or fever. This is a medical emergency and may be a sign or infection. Carry a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic with you at all times.
- REMEMBER: Complete Decongestive Therapy is recognized as the most effective therapy for both the prevention and treatment of Lymphedema. Some forms of massage not recommended to be applied to an at-risk area/limb include: Swedish, Deep-tissue, Retrograde, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Etc.
Lymphedema: a protein rich swelling of the limbs is a very common condition worldwide. Manual Lymph Drainage/Complete Decongestive Therapy has been administered successfully in Europe for decades in the treatment of the primary and secondary Lymphedema and has become widely recognized in the U.S.A.
