Contact your doctor if you notice any increase of swelling in the toes, foot, ankle, leg, abdomen or genitals.
Do not allow an injection or blood drawing from the leg. This is a precaution for the rest of your life.
Keep the ‘at risk’ leg clean. Use lotion after bathing. Be gentle and thorough when drying the leg. Remember to dry in any creases and between the toes.
Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the leg. Exercise is important, but consult with your therapist. Wear compression bandages or stocking if swelling is present.
Do not wear socks, stocking, or undergarments with tight elastic bands.
Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing or sunbathing (no sauna or hot tub).
Keep your ‘at risk’ leg protected from the sun.
Avoid trauma such as bruising, cuts, sunburn or any type of burn, insect bites and animal scratches.
When traveling by air, people with Lymphedema (or at risk) should wear a compression stocking. Be sure to walk around in the plane and move your leg while seated during the flight. Performing deep breathing is also helpful.
Use an electric razor to remove hair from legs. Replace the shaving head as needed.
If you have Lymphedema, wear a well-fitted compression stocking during waking hours. Have stocking 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’ leg could be the beginning or worsening or
Lymphedema.
Maintain your ideal weight with a well-balanced diet.
Using powder on feet and behind the knee may be helpful if you tend to perspire a great deal.
Upper Extremity Lymphedema
Precautions
* Adapted from National Lymphedema Network 18 Steps to Prevention for Upper Extremities
