Lymphedema is the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues of the body due to blockage or loss of lymph nodes. Lymphedema most often occurs due to the removal of lymph nodes after cancer treatment, but it can also occur due to environmental or genetic factors. Lymphedema usually appears within three years of surgery. Lymphedema can also occur due to abnormal development of the lymph system at birth, although symptoms can appear later. The best way to prevent lymphedema is to recognize the symptoms and treat them early.
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Method 1 of 3: Preventing Lymphedema
Step 1. Consult a doctor immediately if there are signs of lymphedema
Some signs of lymphedema include swelling of the arms, legs, fingers, hands, neck or chest. Go to the doctor immediately if you experience swelling or other signs (see below).
- One of the best ways to prevent the condition from getting worse is to recognize the early signs of lymphedema.
- Lymphedema cannot be treated, but early treatment can minimize symptoms and prevent lymphedema from spreading to other areas.
- Lymphedema can occur within days, weeks, months, or even years after undergoing cancer treatment.
Step 2. Do not allow blood to be drawn through the arm at risk for lymphedema
Usually lymphedema develops in the same quarter that the body undergoes surgery. Do not give any injections, or intravenous injections in the arm that is at risk of developing lymphedema.
- When checking blood pressure, place the cuff on the arm that is less likely to develop lymphedema.
- You can buy a medical bracelet to remind others not to draw blood, insert an IV, or give an injection to an arm with lymphedema.
Step 3. Do not take a long hot bath
Do not immerse a limb that may be affected by lymphedema in hot water, take a hot steam bath or stay in other areas with high heat. If you really want to take a hot shower, don't let your arms soak in the water.
- Do not use heating pads or other heating appliances.
- Do not do a deep massage on the affected area.
- Heat and massage will draw a lot of fluid into the area, which can trigger lymphedema.
- As much as possible, keep your arms out of the sun.
Step 4. Do not carry shoulder bags or heavy objects
To recover after cancer treatment or surgery, do not use the affected body part to carry heavy objects. Be careful not to exert too much force on the arm that is at risk of developing lymphedema.
- When carrying heavy objects, try to raise your arms above your waist.
- As you get stronger over time, you can gradually return to lifting heavy objects.
Step 5. Don't wear jewelry or tight clothing
If your watch, bracelet, ring, or other piece of jewelry feels tight, loosen or remove it. Make sure you wear clothes that are loose and don't restrict your movement.
- Do not wear tops with tight necks if you are at risk of developing lymphedema in the neck or head.
- Narrowing that occurs around the arms, neck, legs, wrists, or other parts of the body can cause fluid buildup in these areas.
Step 6. Elevate your arms and legs
If you are at risk of developing lymphedema, one way to prevent it is to elevate the arm and leg at risk if possible. This prevents the accumulation of body fluids in the arms and legs which can cause swelling.
- This precaution is very effective in preventing lymphedema from developing in the arms, hands, or fingers.
- If you sleep on your back, lie down with your feet elevated above your heart. Place a pillow under your feet or knees.
Step 7. Change your position
Do not sit or stand for long periods of time. Instead, change your position regularly. Don't sit with your legs crossed, and place a support while sleeping to keep yourself upright.
- An upright position in bed will increase the flow of lymph fluid in the body.
- Maybe you need to set an alarm or timer on your phone regularly to remind you to move regularly. Take advantage of the various natural reminders available. When you watch television, for example, change your position at each commercial break.
Step 8. Wear protective clothing
Cuts, sunburn or other burns, cat scratches, and insect bites can carry fluid to the affected area, increasing the chance of lymphedema. Protect injured skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting pants.
- Make sure you wear loose, not tight clothing.
- Do not wear athletic sleeves, as they can put pressure on the arms.
Step 9. Protect your extremities (body parts such as arms and legs) from getting injured
Cuts, open wounds, burns, or scrapes, on the affected arm or leg can result in infection. Infection makes the lymphatic fluid unable to filter viruses and bacteria. Some signs of infection include: swelling, pain, redness of the skin, feeling warm, and fever. If you experience these symptoms, go to the nearest hospital for treatment and care.
- Do not let your skin pierced by sharp objects.
- You should always wear a thimble (metal mittens) when sewing, wear heavy gloves when gardening, and apply insect repellent when outdoors.
- Keep skin moisturized by applying a light moisturizer to prevent dry and cracked skin.
- Take extra precautions when shaving if you use a regular razor.
- When undergoing a manicure, do not cut or pull your cuticles (surface skin). Find a manicurist who is familiar with your medical history and is willing to work with your particular needs. If you want to visit a new manicurist, check their medical history online. Never visit a treatment facility that is reported to have an unhealthy practice, or if some of their clients have had bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
- Wear gloves when gardening or doing household chores so you don't hurt your fingers, hands, or nails.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable and cover your toes to reduce the risk of injury to your feet and toes.
Step 10. Eat a balanced, low-sodium diet
Include two to three servings of fruits, and 3 to 5 servings of vegetables each day. Consumption of foods that contain lots of fiber, such as bread from whole grains (whole grain), cereals, rice, pasta, and fresh vegetables and fruits. If you want the best results, don't drink alcohol or limit your intake to one drink a day.
- Avoid fast food or junk food with high calories and low nutrition. In addition to being high in calories and low in nutrients, these foods usually contain a lot of sodium.
- Reduce consumption of red meat and processed meat products such as sausages, hot dogs, or bacon (bacon).
Step 11. Keep your weight within a healthy range
Obesity or being overweight contributes to the risk of developing lymphedema. This is due to the added pressure on the area that has become swollen, causing a more severe disturbance to the flow of lymphatic fluid.
- The key to maintaining an ideal body weight is to have the right diet and exercise and be disciplined.
- If you need help with this, consult a doctor. He or she can provide advice and referrals to treatment services based on your condition.
Step 12. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle
Lymphedema can be prevented by having a healthy weight and maintaining it. Adopting healthy eating habits and getting regular exercise are part of an overall healthy life.
- Getting enough sleep can help maintain a strong immune system, and reduce the risk of developing lymphedema.
- Ask your doctor for help in designing a healthy exercise routine. Maybe you are not advised to do strenuous exercise, but try to include exercise as part of your daily routine.
Step 13. Don't smoke
Smoking narrows the capillaries and small blood vessels, making it harder for fluids to flow freely throughout the body. Smoking can deplete oxygen and other nutrients the body needs in a healthy bloodstream. Smoking will also damage the elasticity of the skin.
- If you need help quitting smoking, ask your doctor or health care provider. There are many support groups to help those who want to quit smoking.
- Quitting smoking also helps minimize the risk of developing cancer and other health problems.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for swelling in your arms, breasts, legs, or hands
Swelling in the soft tissues of the legs or arms is one of the most common signs of lymphedema. In the early stages, the skin will remain soft. The swollen area will remain sunken if you press it.
- Perhaps the doctor will measure the affected area using a tape measure to monitor swelling.
- In advanced lymphedema, the swelling becomes stiff and hard. The swollen area will not be sunken when pressed.
Step 2. Notice if your arms or legs feel heavy
Apart from or before the swelling occurs, your legs and arms may feel heavy due to the accumulation of fluid there. The limbs become more difficult to move. If you are at risk of developing lymphedema, this may be an early symptom.
- If you have had surgery, radiation treatment, or lymph node removal, take a close look at your body using a life-size mirror and check for swelling or not.
- Compare the two sides of the body and check for differences.
Step 3. Be careful if you have difficulty moving the joint
Stiffness in the fingers, toes, elbows, knees, or other joints can be a sign of increased fluid accumulation caused by lymphedema. Although stiff joints can be caused by many things, the pressure on the joints that results from accumulation of body fluids can be a sign of lymphedema.
- Symptoms of lymphedema can appear gradually, or appear all at once.
- Get to know your body well, and pay attention to what is normal for you.
Step 4. Watch for itching or burning on the feet or toes
This may be a sign of cellulitis, which is a non-contagious skin infection. Since lymphedema affects the immune system, you should see a doctor immediately if you have cellulitis symptoms.
- Cellulitis can be triggered by an insect bite or scratch.
- The doctor will treat the infection with antibiotics. Do not delay treatment of the infection, as it can quickly become life-threatening.
Step 5. Check for thickening of the skin (hyperkeratosis)
Fluid retention can make the skin thick. If you have thickened skin on your arms, hands, or feet with or without other skin changes such as blisters or warts, this could be a sign of lymphedema.
- Keeping the skin clean is very important for those with hyperkeratosis.
- Use a therapeutic-based moisturizer every day, and avoid lotions that are based on lanolin or perfume.
Step 6. Pay attention to whether your jewelry or clothing becomes ill-fitting
Many people with lymphedema feel uncomfortable in their bras, even though they don't gain weight. If your rings don't fit properly, or your bracelets and watches feel uncomfortable, this may be a sign of lymphedema.
- You may find it difficult to get your hands into the sleeves on one side of your body.
- Because the symptoms of lymphedema can develop gradually, you may not notice the swelling in your shoulder or arm until you find it difficult to get dressed. If your clothes start to feel tight on one side of your body, or you find it difficult to put on a tight shirt or jacket, watch for signs of lymphedema.
Step 7. Notice if your skin looks tight, shiny, feels warm, or has a reddish tint
Your skin may appear "glossy" or "stretched." This may be a sign of cellulitis. Go to the doctor immediately if the texture or color of your skin changes.
- Once observed, the affected area can spread rapidly.
- You may also experience fatigue, pain, fever, and some other flu-like symptoms. Or, you may not experience any of these signs.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing Head/Neck Marks
Step 1. Watch for swelling of the face, eyes, neck, lips, or the area under the chin
Some symptoms of lymphedema in the neck and head usually appear 2 to 6 months after cancer treatment in the head area. Lymphedema sometimes develops in the larynx and pharynx (mouth and throat). It can also develop on the outside of the neck and face, or a combination of the two, depending on which lymphatic duct is blocked.
- Go to the doctor if there are signs of lymphedema in the neck or head.
- Swelling that cannot be controlled can lead to a series of additional inflammations that can become difficult to control.
Step 2. Feel if the affected area feels tight or swollen
Because swelling in the neck and head may be difficult to detect with the naked eye, the first symptoms of lymphedema in these areas appear in the form of sensations. Notice if your neck and head feel tight.
- You may find it difficult to move your neck, head, or face. Your skin may feel tight or uncomfortable, even if there are no obvious signs of swelling.
- The doctor may perform additional tests to check for lymphedema, for example by performing lymphoscintigraphy or other imaging techniques by giving injections of contrast dye to show if there are abnormalities in the flow of lymphatic fluid.
Step 3. Be careful if your vision changes because the eye is swollen
Blurred vision, excessive or unexplained tearing and red eyes, and pain behind the eyes are signs of lymphedema distichiasis syndrome. This is a genetic condition that is present at birth, but the signs may not appear before a person reaches puberty.
- The growth of extra eyelashes along the inner lining of the eyelids is also a sign of lymphedema distichiasis syndrome.
- Some other eye problems as a result of this condition include irregular corneal curvature, and the appearance of scar tissue on the cornea.
Step 4. Observe if you have difficulty swallowing, breathing, or speaking
In severe cases of lymphedema, swelling of the tissue in the throat and neck can affect basic body functions. There is the possibility of the sufferer salivating or spilling food from the mouth.
- Swelling that occurs can also cause nasal congestion or pain in the inner ear. This can affect the glands and sinus passages.
- To confirm the presence of lymphedema in the head and neck, the doctor may run an ultrasound or an MRI. This examination can show the position of lymphatic fluid in the head cavity.
