Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices Part 2 of 3
Greetings! Part 2 of 3 is the, “Summary of Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices”
Note that “Obesity” is mentioned as a risk and I’ll have more to say about it in part 3.
A reminder to ask your doctor – I’m a patient who believes in patient education. Talk to your doctor.
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“Summary of Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices
Please refer to the complete Risk Reduction document for details.
I. Skin Care – Avoid trauma / injury to reduce infection risk
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Keep extremity clean and dry.
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Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chafing of skin.
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Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles.
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Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
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If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws.
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Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (e.g. washing dishes, gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent).
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If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (i.e. redness).
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If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, increased swelling, fever or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately for early treatment of possible infection.
II.
Activity / Lifestyle
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Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise. Review the Exercise Position Paper.
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Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery.
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Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness.
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Maintain optimal weight. Obesity is known to be a major lymphedema risk factor.
III. Avoid Limb Constriction•
If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken on the at-risk extremity, especially repetitive pumping.
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Wear non-constrictive jewelry and clothing.
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Avoid carrying a heavy bag or purse over the at risk or lymphedematous extremity.
IV. Compression Garments should be well-fitting.
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Support the at-risk limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e. weight lifting, prolonged standing, and running) except in patients with open wounds or with poor circulation in the at-risk limb.
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Patients with lymphedema should consider wearing a well-fitting compression garment for air travel. The NLN cannot specifically recommend compression garments for prophylaxis in at-risk patients.”
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In part 3, I’ll show you the two kinds of leg support stockings I use and why I like them. There are many other support stockings out there – ask your doctor what she/he recommends. Also, I’ll show you several tools that aid in putting them on.
Thanks for reading… Sharon O’Hara, familien1@comcast.net
