Lymphedema skincare: 8 daily tips
Lymphedema is a chronic swelling condition caused by fluid build up. If you are a lymphedema patient, it’s key to protect your skin in order to reduce risk of injury or infection. They can worsen the condition, causing more damage to your lymphatic system. Here are 8 lymphedema skincare tips to improve skin-care routine and general well-being.
1. Daily Cleansing
- Wash your skin daily.
- Use a soft hypoallergenic Cleanser-choose soap-free.
- To dry your skin, pat it with a soft towel.
- Avoid rubbing, that could damage sensitive skin or produce irritation.
- Wash and dry, paying attention to skin creases/folds and between your toes and fingers.
2. Moisturize
- Moisturize every day and more than once per day if needed.
- Use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer.
- Choose an emollient moisturizer. It’s easy to rub. Also, it will help your skin barrier to stop losing water by creating a protective layer.
- Apply it on slightly damp skin to lock in moisture and enhance the skin barrier.
How to moisturize?
Apply it in the direction of hair growth, with soft-gentle movements- to prevent folliculitis.
3.Wear Sunscreen
- Put on your screen every day, even under your compression garment or bandages.
- Use high spectrum sunscreen.
- Reapplying every two hours when outdoors
Sunscreen is pivotal as lymphedema can make skin more sensitive to UV rays.
4. Insect alert
- Use an alcohol-free or hypoallergenic insect repellent (like those formulated for babies).
- If an insect bites you, please, don´t scratch. You can use cold packaged on the bitten surface, this will reduce swelling and the itchy sensation, also, use antihistamine cream if you aren’t allergic to these products.
5. Infection Prevention
- Regular Inspections: Check the affected areas daily for signs of infection such as redness or warmth. Early detection is vital for preventing complications.
- Treat Cuts Promptly: Clean any cuts or grazes immediately with antiseptic and cover them to prevent infection.
- Keep your nails clean, short and soft to avoid skin cuts or damage.
6. Avoiding Skin Damage
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid restricting lymph flow and reduce the risk of injuries like skin rashes.
- Avoid jewelry. They can get stock if there is inflammation.
- Look after your feet, ensure they are dry between the toes to prevent fungal infections like Athlete’s foot.
- Avoid having injections, blood taken, or your blood pressure checked on the affected limb.
- When gardening, cooking or similar activities, wear gloves to protect your hands and arms from injury.
7. Hydrate
- Stay well hydrated to support your lymphatic flow and skin.
- Avoid high intake of sodium (salt, chips, etc.).
- Avoid soda and sweetened beverages.
8. Temperature Management
- Avoid extreme temperatures like too hot, cold or windy weather. Protect the affected areas from extreme temperatures which can exacerbate symptoms; use cool compresses in heat and keep warm in cold conditions.
Lymphedema Skincare: Signs of infection
- Redness, heat sensation, pain or/ and increased swelling.
- Fever with chills and sweating.
- Fatigue or flu-like symptoms.
- Pain or tenderness in the area.
- Skin sore or rash that suddenly starts and spreads or grows fast during the first 24h.
- Tight, glossy, stretched appearance of the skin.
Tip: when there is a sudden suspicious red or sore area, you can draw a circle around this area to supervise if it has changes in size, color or temperature.
I hope these tips may help you improve your skin condition and reduce the risk of injury or infection which might make the condition more complicated. Regular consultations with your healthcare professionals (GP and Dermatologist) and your Lymphatic Drainage Therapist are also key for tailored treatment options.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://lymphaticsolutions.com.au/lymphoedema-skin-care/
