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Skin care and lymphoedema

Looking after and protecting your skin is a very important way of preventing injury and infection. Any break in the skin can make you more likely to get an infection there.

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General skin care advice
Lymphoedema of the hand/arm
Lymphoedema of the foot/leg
Recognising infection

Lymphoedema can make your skin dry and itchy, which makes cracks and breaks more likely. Good moisturising can help to prevent this. You can buy suitable creams from your local chemist or get them on prescription from your doctor. Your lymphoedema specialist will give you further advice.

General skin care advice Back to top

Here’s some general advice for anyone with, or at risk of, lymphoedema. This information is about reducing the risk of infection and protecting your skin. It’s followed by specific advice for lymphoedema of the arm or leg.

Reduce the risk of infection

Keep your skin clean and dry. Use soap-free cleansers that don’t dry your skin out. Moisturise gently every day with unperfumed cream or oil to help your skin stay supple and in good condition.
Prevent infection by treating even small grazes and cuts straight away. Wash the area thoroughly, apply antiseptic cream and cover if necessary.
See your GP straight away if you develop any signs of infection.
If possible, avoid having needles put into your hand/arm or foot/leg when you have blood taken, injections, a drip (infusion), or acupuncture. Although there’s no strong medical evidence to suggest this may help, most lymphoedema experts think it’s a wise precaution to take. Don’t get a tattoo on the affected/at risk limb.

Protect your skin

Protect your skin from the sun by covering up with clothes or wearing sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Never use a sunbed.
Use insect repellent to prevent insect bites. If you’re stung on, or near, the affected area, see your GP for advice.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Too much heat can increase the swelling so always test the water before you have a bath or shower. Avoid using saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms, and don’t sit too close to a fire or other heat source.
Be careful when playing sports that may result in an injury to the arm/leg with, or at risk of, lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema of the hand/arm Back to top

As well as the general advice above, here are some specific tips for people with, or at risk of, lymphoedema of the hand/arm:

Always protect the skin on your hand and arm to avoid cuts, scratches, etc. Wear gloves for any household tasks, such as washing up, DIY, or gardening. Also be careful when handling any pets that might scratch. Wearing long sleeves as well as gloves will give extra protection when doing some of these activities.
To avoid burns, use oven gloves or pot holders and long sleeves when cooking and baking.
Avoid constriction, such as having your blood pressure taken, on your affected limb and avoid wearing tight elasticated cuffs.
Use nail clippers instead of scissors to lessen the risk of nicking your skin and never push back or cut your cuticles.
Never use a razor to shave underarm hair. Avoid getting cuts by using a well-maintained electric shaver. Don’t wax.
Hair-removal creams can be harsh on the skin so be careful and try a small test patch before using them on larger areas.
Avoid wearing tight bra straps and vests with tight arm holes that restrict the flow of fluid. This also applies to rings, bracelets, watches, etc.
Don’t carry anything heavy (bags, shopping, etc) with the affected arm as muscle strain can make the swelling worse.
Don’t do anything that involves vigorous use of the arm for long periods. Stop frequently and do some exercises to stretch and relax the muscles to lessen the strain.

Lymphoedema of the foot/leg Back to top

As well as the general advice above, here are some specific tips for people with, or at risk of, lymphoedema of the foot/leg:

Wear well-fitting footwear to protect your feet and to avoid getting blisters.
Don’t walk around barefoot in case you step on something or stub your toe.
Use nail clippers instead of scissors to cut your nails to lessen the risk of nicking your skin.
See a chiropodist for foot/nail care if you need extra help, and let them know you have, or are at risk of, lymphoedema.
Wash and dry between your toes carefully and use anti-fungal powder to prevent athlete’s foot, or if you have symptoms of it, such as peeling skin.
Wear long trousers to protect your legs when you’re gardening or doing DIY/household tasks.
Never use a razor to shave. Use a well-maintained electric shaver to avoid getting cuts. Avoid waxing. Hair-removal creams can be harsh on the skin so be careful and try a small test patch before using them on larger areas.
Avoid tight clothing around the groin area. Don’t wear ankle bracelets or toe rings.

Recognising infection Back to top

It’s important to know the signs of an infection. Getting it treated as soon as possible puts less stress on the lymphatic system and can prevent lymphoedema from getting worse.

If you develop an infection in the skin (cellulitis), the area becomes red, hot and painful. Other signs include red streaks tracking up or down from the infected area, a high temperature, feeling generally unwell and loss of appetite.

If you experience any of these signs, contact your GP straight away. They will usually prescribe a course of antibiotics, which you should start immediately. You should also contact your lymphoedema specialist, who will usually advise you to stop all lymphoedema treatment. Don’t wear any compression garments, and rest the swollen area in a comfortable position with the whole limb supported along its length.

Content last reviewed: 1 August 2010

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.