Recovering from Cancer

PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID OR MANAGE UPPER/LOWER EXTREMITY LYMPHEDEMA

  1. Avoid insect bites, burns, skin irritants, hangnails, and torn cuticles (wearing gloves while gardening, doing housework, and cooking is a great idea.)

  2. Avoid tight fitting jewelry on affected/ at risk area.

  3. Wear loose fitting clothing on affected / at risk area.

  4. Don’t overheat - avoid whirlpools, saunas, hot tubs, and sun-bathing.

  5. Don’t receive shots, have blood drawn, or have blood pressure taken on the affected / at risk area.

  6. If you are overweight, losing weight can help prevent/ minimize swelling by reducing the amount of fatty tissue which retains fluid and blocks the lymphatic pathways.

  7. Avoid repetitive day-to-day movements such as scrubbing, pushing, or pulling on the affected / at risk area.

  8. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected/ at risk area (arms/legs). This includes carrying heavy handbags or bags with over the shoulder straps on the affected arm.

  9. When traveling by air, patients with lymphedema or those who are at risk should consider wearing a compression garment on the affected / at risk area.

  10. Make skin and nail care a priority. Inspect the skin on the affected/ at risk area daily, watching for changes or breaks in the skin that could lead to infection.

  11. Remember that any repetitive movements on the affected / at risk areas (arms/legs) are considered risky.

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