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Home News What If I Have Lymphedema? – Part II

What If I Have Lymphedema? – Part II

Published: Monday, March 5, 2007

The following article is the final article of a two-part series on Lymphedema. Click here to read What If I Have Lymphedema - Part I.

 

Lymphedema is a side effect that can begin during or after cancer treatment. It generally involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm and/or hand and may be accompanied by numbness, discomfort and sometimes infection.

Reducing your chances of developing lymphedema is important since there is no reliable way to measure your risk of developing it. Knowing the warning signs and understanding precautions to take are beneficial to reducing your risk. If you do develop lymphedema, there are guidelines to help you manage this condition and improve your quality of life.

What Triggers Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can happen just weeks after surgery or years after the initial cancer treatment. It can be brought on by trauma or infection, or it can develop without any obvious cause. Factors that can contribute to the onset of lymphedema include the following.

• Traumas to the muscles or skin of the arm that can lead to infection. These include scratches, bug bites, sunburn, kitchen burns, garden cuts, plant rashes (poison ivy / oak), skin cracking from chronic dryness and skin tears from nervous picking habits.
• Gaining a lot of weight after breast cancer treatment. Like being overweight to start with, gaining weight increases your risk for swelling.
• Heat. Because it widens blood vessels, heat allows more fluid to get in an area at risk for swelling. Very hot weather and sitting in hot tubs / saunas can bring it on.
• Blood clots. Occasionally, a blood clot in the axillary (underarm) vein will back up fluid in the arm.
• Long plane flights. Although less common, changes in cabin pressure can trigger lymphedema in someone with a compromised lymph system. Wearing a compression sleeve during flight can greatly reduce this risk.

If you are free of lymphedema, it means your body has learned to re-route any excess buildup of lymphatic fluid. Unfortunately, once you have developed the condition, the more lymphedema you have and the longer you have it, the harder it is to reduce the swelling.

How to Avoid Lymphedema

Prevention is the best tool against lymphedema. Learn the warning signs and the precautions to take. Make these guidelines and a heightened awareness a regular part of your life.

Skin care is your first line of defense. Since the skin acts as a barrier to infection, any disruption of the skin can spell trouble. Burns, chafing, dryness, hangnails, cracks, cuts, splinters, animal scratches and insect bites are immediate risks for infection.

Signs of infection include the following. 

• Fever
• Redness
• Swelling, warmth or tenderness in the at-risk arm

Infection and swelling can escalate quickly. Redness, tenderness and warmth can spread from the injury up to your arm. Call your doctor as soon as you suspect an infection. You may need to start antibiotics immediately with any early sign of trouble.

Things to Remember

• Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening or other types of work that can result in even minor injuries. A skin lesion can increase the risk of unwanted infectious bacteria entering the tissue.
• Never allow an injection or the collection of blood in the affected arm or leg. Needles will pierce the skin, providing an entry point for infection.
• Never have your blood pressure checked in the affected arm or leg. The inflated blood pressure cuff further limits the circulation in an arm that already has poor lymph drainage.
• Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. Do not carry heavy handbags with over-the-shoulder straps. Lifting puts strain on the arm with poor lymph drainage.
• Take more frequent rest breaks when scrubbing, mopping, cleaning or while doing other vigorous or repetitive activities—especially if your arm feels tired, heavy or achy. Physical exertion causes sudden blood flow through the muscle or tissue, further stressing an already compromised lymph system.
• Elevate the affected arm(s) or leg(s) whenever possible. This will help improve lymphatic drainage. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about any sports activities in which you participate, because some may aggravate the condition. However, swimming, biking, walking and specially designed ballet or yoga movements are encouraged. Physical exertion forces the damaged lymphatic system to try to do work that it cannot do.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes in bathing, washing dishes or sunbathing. Keep the limb protected from the sun. Heat increases the blood flow through the tissues. Sudden temperature changes cause undo stress on the weakened lymphatic system.
• Maintain good hygiene by keeping skin clean and dry with soap and deodorant made for sensitive skin. This will protect the skin from irritation and possible infection.
• Use an electric razor rather than a disposable razor. An electric razor will prevent puncturing the skin and possible infection.
• Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers, arms or legs. Constricting items will affect an already compromised lymphatic system.
• Avoid cutting cuticles when manicuring hands or having a pedicure. Any skin puncture risks introducing infection.
• Maintain your ideal weight through a well-balanced, low-salt diet; avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages. Unwanted weight gain will increase lymphatic swelling in the limbs.

 

Physical therapy treatment for lymphedema requires a referral from your physician, and care should be provided by a therapist certified in lymphedema management. Be sure to talk to you doctor about treatment options.

Click here for more information on Rehabilitation Services or the Brain and Spine Institute.

 

The information in this article does not substitute advice or information from your physician. Please consult your doctor for further information on specific medical conditions or symptoms.

 

References
Amercican Cancer Society & National Lymphedema Network, 2006.