Keep Your Skin Meticulously Clean Dry your skin thoroughly (including creases and between fingers and toes). Apply lotion to surrounding skin, but not in between your toes. Take Precautions During Visits to Your Doctors Ask to have your blood pressure checked on the unaffected arm. Avoid injections or blood draws on the affected side when possible. What can I do if I already have lymphedema? To help decrease the risk of further swelling, continue following the recommendations for preventing lymphedema listed above. In addition: Avoid extreme temperature changes. Do not use hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas or steam baths. Use warm, rather than very hot, water when bathing or washing dishes. Always wear sun protection (at least SPF 15) when going outdoors. When traveling by air, ask your health care provider if you should wear a compression sleeve on your affected arm or a stocking on your affected leg to minimize swelling. For long flights, additional bandages may be needed. Talk to your health care provider before traveling. Continue to see your health care provider for frequent follow-up visits, as recommended. Outlook for the Future Lymphedema cannot be cured. However, with proper care and treatment, the affected limb can usually be restored to a manageable size and shape. In addition, lymphedema can be managed and controlled so that it does not progress further. If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to increased swelling and a hardening of the tissue, resulting in decreased function and mobility in the affected limb. It can also lead to chronic infections and other illnesses. It is important to receive treatment promptly if you recognize symptoms of lymphedema.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 02:09:25 +0000
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