Prevention, Precaution and Skin Care for Lymphedema

Lymphedema sufferers are prone to infections of the skin and nails. Meticulous care of these areas is essential to the success of treatment. These tips are directed toward those with swollen arms, but similar precautions would apply regarding the legs if you have lower extremity swelling. Please follow these precautions to keep your skin healthy and reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.

1. Wear leather gloves when gardening or around thorny plants.
    
2. Avoid cat scratches.
    
3. Protect yourself from insect bites; avoid sunburn.
    
4. To avoid burns, use caution around heat sources, such as the oven or boiling water. If you are burned, immediately apply ice or cold water. Cover the blister with a bandage so it does not break.
    
5. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning with harsh detergents, as they can irritate the skin.
    
6. Use knives or sharp tools with caution. Use a thimble when sewing.
    
7. Use an electric razor, rather than a blade when shaving your underarm.
    
8. When trimming hangnails or cuticles, be careful not to tear the skin. Use a cuticle cream to keep cuticles soft.
    
9. Avoid wearing too tight jewelry or clothing on an affected arm. It is important that your circulation be unobstructed.
    
10. Always try to avoid receiving injections in this arm. Do not have blood drawn from this arm.
     
11. Clean small wounds with soap and water. Apply hydrogen peroxide with a Q-tip, then cover the wound with a thin layer of antibacterial ointment and a band-aid. Change the band-aid whenever it gets dirty.
     
12. Get into the habit of elevating your arm higher than your heart when you sit for long periods of time. For example, rest your arm along the back of a couch.
     
13. Reduce or eliminate salt from your diet. Salt causes fluid to accumulate in the tissue.
     
14. Keep your weight down. Fat acts like a sponge and holds fluid in the arm.
     
15. In the case of an affected arm, lie flat on your back once a day, preferably at bedtime, with your arm perpendicular up over your face. Lubricate the arm with baby oil or body lotion, and stroke it with your other hand in a milking motion downward from wrist to shoulder. Repeat 20-30 strokes. Be alert for any signs of infection, incuding: a red rash or blotchy area on the skin; your limb feels unusually warm to the touch; swelling or marked tenderness of the skin. Contact your doctor immediately. You may need an antibiotic.