St. Lukes Elks Rehab Blog

I. Skin Care – Avoid trauma/injury and reduce infection risk

1. Keep extremity clean and dry.
2. Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chaffing of skin.
3. Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles.
4. Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
5. Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
6. If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws.
7. Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent).
8. If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (i.e. redness).
9. If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately.

II. Activity / Lifestyle

1. Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise avoiding soreness.
2. Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery.
3. Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness.
4. Maintain optimal weight.

III. Avoid limb constriction

1. If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken on the at risk arm.
2. Wear loose fitting jewelry and clothing.

IV. Compression Garments

1. Should be well-fitting.
2. Consider supporting the at risk limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e. weight lifting, prolonged standing, running).
3. Consider wearing a well-fitting compression garment for air travel.

V. Extremes of Temperature

1. Avoid exposure to extreme cold, which can be associated with rebound swelling, or chapping of skin.
2. Avoid prolonged (> 15 minutes) exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs and saunas.
3. Avoid immersing limb in water temperatures above 102° F.

VI. Additional practices specific to lower extremity lymphedema

1. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.
2. When possible, avoid crossing legs.
3. Wear proper, well-fitting footwear.

 

Sonja M. Maul PT, CLT-LANA

National Board Certified Lymphedema Therapist

St. Luke’s*Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Services (SLIERS)

Boise Idaho

Filed under: Lymphedema