Lymphedema

CARE OF YOUR EXTREMITY

• Perform daily skin checks.  Pay close attention to areas of reduces sensation and all skin folds.
   
• All skin openings are potential source of infection.  All skin openings and skin cracks must be kept clean and protected.
   
• You need to know the signs of infection and know the urgency of this. 
  Localized infection:  redness, warmth, pain and swelling of the affected area
  Systemic infection:  malaise, fever and red streaks on the limb
  YOU MUST SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
  
  

HOW TO AVOID INFECTION 

1. Keep your extremity clean. Make sure all areas with skin folds or creases are dried well as this is a good environment for organisms to grow. Dry well between your fingers and toes.
    

2. Protect your hands and feet from sharp objects.
    

3. Use insect repellants to avoid insect bites.
    

4. You need to make sure to never have blood drawn, blood pressure checks or injections given on the extremity where lymph nodes have been removed.
    

5. Manicure and pedicure nails carefully. Avoid cutting or tearing cuticles. Keep cuticles soft with a lanolin-based cream.
    

6. Protect your hands, use loose fitting rubber gloves for housework, especially in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Outdoors use garden gloves.
    

7. Use an electric razor for shaving, as you will be less likely to cut the skin.
    

8. Use a low pH lotion on the affected region on a regular basis. Avoid using soaps and lotions that dry the skin.
    

9. If lymphedema is present in your leg, you should avoid walking barefooted, and never walk barefooted in a public restroom or locker room.
   

HOW TO AVOID MUSCLE STRAINS

1. Use your affected extremity as normally as possible.
    

2. Avoid lifting or moving heavy loads. This includes grocery bags, briefcases and suitcases.
    

3. Exercise moderately, but regularly. Excessive exercise can cause increased swelling.
    

4. Avoid repetitive motions (scrubbing, pushing, or pulling) with affected limb.

NOTE: Do not cause fatigue, aching or heaviness in the affected limb, as this could cause increased swelling. 

HOW TO AVOID BURNS 

1. Protect the involved areas (arm, chest, trunk or leg) from the sun. Wear sunscreen “SPF 35” or higher, and wear protective clothing.
    

2. Avoid extreme temperatures with bathing or washing dishes.
    

3. Use oven mitts that are extra long. Be careful of steam burns from hot foods.
    

4. Hot tubs, saunas, and steam baths should not be used.
   
   

HOW TO AVOID CONSTRICTION 

1. Avoid anything that will constrict your hand or arm, such as watchbands, rings, tight cuffs or sleeves. Avoid restrictive undergarments and tight socks.
    

2. Carry a purse/briefcase on the unaffected shoulder. Do not carry a purse or bags over the affected forearm.
    

3. Following mastectomy, use a lightweight prosthesis so that bra straps do not cause excessive pressure on your shoulder.
   
   

LOWER EXTREMITY LYMPHEDEMA
   CARE OF YOUR FEET  

1. Many infections start in the feet. Harmful bacteria can easily enter through dry cracks of the feet and toes. Any skin breakdown from friction of poor fitting shoes is another avenue for bacteria to enter your system. For these reasons, careful attention to proper foot care is important.
    

2. Feet should be inspected each day either by yourself (use of a mirror) or by someone else.
    

3. Toenail care:  Trim toe nails every 2 months. Soften toenails by soaking in tepid water for 10 minutes prior to trimming them. Apply antiseptic ointment to nail borders. If nails are excessively curved or ingrown, discolored or falling off – seek professional care.
    

4. Minor cuts & scratches:  Wash area with warm water and soap, removing all dirt. Apply a topical antiseptic and sterile bandage. Immediately seek professional care if you see pus or redness extending from the wound.
    

5. Footwear:  Make sure to have adequate room in the toe area and that the heel area is snug. Laced shoe work the best. Wear new shoes in slowly. Wear different shoes to vary the pressures on the foot.
    

6. Other important tips:  Apply lotion to the leg, foot, top of toes, but not in-between the toes. Use an absorbent powder to absorb perspiration between the toes (lotion can keep this area moist and cause breakdown of the tissues). Avoid over the counter medications for corns and callouses. Do not cut corns or callouses yourself.
   
   

LYMPHEDEMA AND DENTAL WORK    SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Cleaning, scaling or any injections in the mouth:  As a precaution, patients are advised to take one dose of antibiotic one hour before the procedure.
    

2. Minor surgery or oral surgery of the gums or extractions:  Patients are advised to take an antibiotic every eight hours for five days starting the day of the procedure.

Lymphedema patients are at risk of getting cellulites infections very easily from any type of cut, wound, burn, puncture of the skin, and trauma including dental work.

Contact Us for additional information.