‘The support I was given by the LSN was 100%. The staff went out of their way to supply me with information.’ LSN Member 2016

In the areas of your body that are swollen, the skin can become stretched and fragile, but can also feel thicker and tougher than the rest of your skin. Your lymphoedema also means that these areas are also more prone to a particular skin infection called cellulitis. You can find more information about cellulitis here or on the LSN app. It is really important to try and prevent this happening and one way of doing this is to improve the condition of your skin. There is more detailed information in the LSN’s ‘Skin Care for People with Lymphoedema’ information on the app but the following simple daily routine is a good place to start.

• Wash your skin carefully at least once a day. Dry the skin gently, paying particular attention to any skin folds and between the fingers/toes. Use a soap substitute, such as aqueous cream, emulsifying ointment, E45 wash.

• Look for signs of redness, or injury (scratches, bites, etc.)
• Treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot quickly if you have lower limb swelling.
• If damage is found, ensure area is clean, apply an antiseptic and watch for signs of infection.
• If you think you may have an infection, then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• Moisturise your skin each day.
• If your skin looks and feels ‘normal’, any bland moisturiser will be suitable, but if your skin is visibly dry and/or scaly a soap substitute followed by a suitable moisturiser/emollient should be used – suitable examples include epiderm, coconut oil BP, aveeno cream, diprobase, double base, lipobase, Hydromol cream.

Very occasionally you may notice clear fluid leaking through your swollen skin. This is called Lymphorrhoea and can happen if the area has swollen very quickly, if the skin is fragile and thin or if there are breaks in the skin. This leakage can be a little or a lot, but can lead to infection, so you do need to seek help – ideally from your lymphoedema practitioner. If you do not have access to a lymphoedema clinic then see your practice nurse for advice.

‘The LSN fact sheets were extremely useful when I was first diagnosed – well written and informative.’ LSN Member 2016

Regular exercise and keeping moving helps to control swelling, keeps joints flexible, improves posture, balance and gait and helps to control your weight. It can also induce a sense of wellbeing.

The sort of exercise or movement that you can do will depend on your age, general fitness, mobility, and other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor or practice nurse about what would be safe for you. To have the best result on your swelling, movements have a better pumping
effect when they are done slowly and smoothly. Deep breathing also stimulates and improves fluid flow through the veins and lymph vessels. ANY movement will help even if you are only able to start with a little and remember to wear your prescribed compression.

• Only carry out exercises/movements that are within your level of endurance – it is always better to start slowly and build up.
• No movement or exercise should cause pain.
• If you are being treated for cellulitis/infection do not exercise until you feel better.
• If you notice your swelling increases after an activity you may be overdoing it – try doing a little less for a while and then gradually build up activity.

There is more information on movement and lymphoedema on the LSN app.

Getting to and staying at a healthy weight can be very difficult especially if your movement is limited. But, if you live with lymphoedema studies have shown that one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling is to maintain a normal healthy weight.
If you are overweight talk to your doctor or practice nurse about the best ways for you to address this and discuss the support they can give to help you. Remember that because the amount of fluid in your swelling your weight may fluctuate, so it is important to persevered even
if the scales do not show proof of your efforts. You know if you have been sticking to your healthy eating plan and the scales will catch up so don’t feel disheartened. The is no miracle diet for lymphoedema, eat a healthy, well balanced diet with the correct portions.
If your weight is within normal limits then try and maintain this and make sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

There is more information in the LSN’s fact sheet ‘Maintaining a Healthy Weight’.

Once your lymphoedema has been assessed you may well be prescribed some sort of compression garment to reduce and contain the swelling. Please do not be tempted to buy your own compression – an appropriately trained therapist first needs to assess/measure you to discuss the best style, type and strength of the compression garment required.

There is more information in the LSN’s fact sheet ‘The use of Compression Garments in Lymphoedema’.

‘The LSN has been invaluable help to me. Following my diagnosis I had very little information to go on. On joining the LSN I requested the relevant fact sheets and saw the light at the end of the tunnel.’ LSN Member 2016