Lymphedema and lipedema

General tips for preventing lymphedema

• Keep the limb elevated above heart level.
• Impeccable daily skin hygiene, with low-pH lotions free of alcohol, dyes, lanolin, petroleum derivatives and perfume, to prevent bacterial and fungal infection — pay special attention to folds and the areas between the toes/fingers.
• Avoid minor injuries: use an electric shaver for hair removal, wear gloves when working, use a thimble when sewing, take care of your nails and don't cut cuticles, wear closed shoes and cotton socks, keep feet always clean and dry.
• Avoid working with sharp objects — needles, scissors, awls, glass, thorns.
• Clean any scratch or burn with soap and water and treat it promptly.
• Watch for signs of infection — redness, warmth, swelling, pain — and see a doctor immediately.
• It is forbidden to give injections or vaccines, draw blood, perform lymphography or acupuncture, shave with a blade, remove hair in a way that irritates the skin, use rough massage technique, remain in a forced position for a long time, or fly on a plane without bandaging or compression garments on the affected limb.
• Tan gradually, in the shade, using creams with a high UV protection factor.
• Avoid extreme heat or cold — ice or hot packs, saunas, hot baths, tanning beds, direct heat sources, drying hair under a hood dryer; shower with lukewarm water and use air conditioning on hot days.
• See a doctor for any kind of skin rash.
• Do not overload the affected limb — carry out long-lasting work, pushing, pulling and carrying loads exclusively with the healthy arm, and no heavier than 2.5–3 kg.
• Avoid applying excessive external pressure: wear loose clothing and shoes, avoid jewelry and necklaces, don't sit with crossed legs, don't sleep on the affected limb, don't measure blood pressure on the affected arm, wear an appropriate orthopedic bra.
• Do not sit with your legs down in one position for longer than 30 minutes.
• Avoid standing still for a long time — it's better to alternately raise and lower the feet, shift body weight from leg to leg, from heel to toes.
• Walking, swimming, light aerobics and cycling are recommended.
• Regular check-ups with your doctor at scheduled appointments.
• Check the entire limb every day; measure its circumference and see a doctor if it worsens.
• The sense of touch, temperature or pain may be weaker in the affected region, so use the unaffected limb to check bath water temperature or for other purposes (e.g. checking milk before giving it to a child).