Lymphoedema

​How to reduce the risk of Lymphoedema

You can reduce this risk with the following advice and precautions:

• Keep the skin clean, supple and moisturised. Dry and wet areas thoroughly. You may need a hair dryer for difficult areas like the skin folds and between toes. Make sure that your underclothes are regularly washed.
• Avoid any injuries to the leg, for example, cuts, bruises, insect bites and knocks.
• Avoid sunburn by using protective clothing and a sunscreen (SPF 15 or more). Avoid exposure to extreme heat (including use of heat packs applied locally, sauna, steam rooms, hot and humid weather.
• The leg must not be used for injection or acupuncture, drips or having blood samples taken.
• Removal of hair from the leg should only be done using a well-maintained electric razor. Blade razors, creams and waxing increase the chance of cuts and redness of the skin.
• If travelling by air, a compression garment must be worn. This also applies to long bus, train and car journeys.
• Avoid tight clothing. No redness or indentation should be visible on removal of clothing.
• Avoid constrictive jewellery. No redness or indentation should be visible on removal of jewellery.
• Avoid prolonged standing and high heels. When you have to stand, walk in short bursts to increase lymph flow.
• Avoid muscle fatigue during exercise and vigorous massage.