Contact your doctor if you notice any increase of swelling in the fingers, hand, arm, breast, or upper trunk on the “at risk” side of your body.
Do not allow an injection or a blood drawing from the arm. This is a precaution for the rest of your life.
Have your blood pressure checked in your unaffected arm, or on your thigh if you have bilateral Lymphedema.
Keep the ‘at risk’ arm clean. Use lotion after bathing. Be gentle and thorough when drying the arm. Remember to dry in any creases and between the fingers.
Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the arm. Exercise is important, but consult with your therapist. Wear compression bandages or garment if swelling is present.
Do not wear clothing with tight elastic bands, or tight jewelry around your affected fingers or arms.
Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing or sunbathing (no sauna or hot tub). Keep your arm protected from the sun.
Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening, or any type of work that could result in minor injury.
Avoid trauma such as bruising, cuts, sunburn or any type of burn, insect bites, and animal scratches.
When traveling by air, people with Lymphedema should wear a compression stocking. Be sure to walk around in the plane and move your arm while seated during the flight.
Use an electric razor to remove hair from under arm. Replace the shaving head as needed.
If you have Lymphedema, wear a well-fitted compression garment during waking hours. Have garment re-checked every 4-6 months for proper fit.
If you notice a rash, blistering, redness, increase of temperature or fever, contact your physician. An inflammation or infection in the ‘at risk’ arm could be the beginning or worsening or Lymphedema.
Maintain your ideal weight with a well-balanced diet.
Using powder on arm and in elbow crease may be helpful if you tend to perspire a great deal.
Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Precautions
* Adapted from National Lymphedema Network 18 Steps to Prevention for Upper Extremities
