Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices

Skin Care

• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Apply moisturiser daily. A low pH lotion or cream is best such as E45, Epimax or Eucerin.

• Keep nails short and clean.
• Avoid trimming cuticles.
• Use a natural insect repellent to protect from mosquito and insect bites.
• Use a natural sunscreen when in the sun for long periods of time.
• Take extra care with shaving and waxing. An electric shaver is best.
• Avoid injections and having blood drawn on the affected side if possible.

• Wear gloves when gardening, working with tools or chemicals.
• Wash and apply antiseptic ointment to any cut or injury to the skin. Observe the skin closely for infection.
• Contact your doctor or therapist immediately if you have skin redness that is warm to the touch, painful and spreading. And if you have headache, fever and flu-like symptoms – these are signs of possible cellulitis skin infection.

Lifestyle and Movement

• Focus on daily activity and gentle exercise. 30 minutes if possible.
• Build up the duration and intensity of your exercise gradually.
• Take frequent rest periods and listen to your body.
• Monitor the affected arm or leg to note any changes before an after exercise.
• Be extra careful with maintaining a healthy weight.
• Educate yourself about healthy food choices.

Avoid Limb Constriction

• Avoid, if possible, having a blood pressure cuff applied to the affected arm. And where possible ask for the manual cuff as it exerts less pressure than the automatic blood pressure machines.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
• Don’t allow elastic or hairbands to dig into the skin of the affected area.
• Rings, watches and bracelets should not leave marks on the skin.

Compression Garments

• Recent studies have shown that a Class 1 compression armsleeve worn post breast cancer surgery has a protective and lymphedema preventative function. To read the study –> Study Breast Cancer Patients wearing arm sleeves

• All compression should be comfortable and well fitted.

Extremes of Temperature

• Avoid extreme cold and extreme hot. Both can irritate the lymphatic system.
• Keep baths to very warm rather than hot water that causes redness to the skin.
• Do not apply ice packs directly to the affected area. A cloth submerged in cool water is better.
• Be careful when using hot or cold cream rubs and gels.