Protect Yourself: Information for Lymphedema Patients

If you have lymphedema, or are at risk of developing lymphedema, follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

Avoid having a blood pressure reading on the affected limb. The blood pressure cuff can alter or damage lymphatic function within the area.
Avoid any injection, blood draw, finger prick, or IV placement in the affected limb. Any break in the skin can lead to an infection.
Avoid having acupuncture needles placed in the affected limb. Although these are very fine needles, they still break the skin.
Protect the affected area to prevent injuries, sunburn, or insect bites that can damage the skin.
When outside wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Maintain a normal weight. Being slightly overweight increases your risk of developing secondary lymphedema.
Wear a compression garment when flying. Changes in cabin pressure can increase the swelling of lymphedema. Also, these pressure changes may trigger the initial onset of lymphedema.

Source: Living Well With Lymphedema by Ann Ehrlich, Alma Vinje-Harrewijn, PT, CLT, and Elizabeth McMahon, PhD. Lymph Notes, 2005. (available from LRI at reduced rates)

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