Chronic swelling of different parts of the body, causing pain and decreasing mobility of the patients is known as lymphedema. This condition usually affects the arms or the legs, but it is also known to provoke swelling and pain in the head, chest or even in the genitals in some cases.
Primary lymphedema usually develops right after the birth or during the puberty and the cause of this problem is of genetic origin. This condition is known to affect about 1 out of 10.000 people.
Secondary lymphedema, on the other hand, is a result of some injuries, trauma or cancerous changes in the body which have damaged the lymphatic system. Surgical procedures or radiation therapy for cancers may also affect the lymphatic system of the body and provoke lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema is more common problem, especially as the side effect of breast cancer therapy. Some estimation says that 1 out of 5 women who have undergone surgical or radiotherapy for their breast cancer experience arm lymphedema.
Lymphedema cannot be cured, but proper combination of treatment methods may control the symptoms and prevent infections in patients after cancer therapy.
Skin Care to Prevent Lymphedema
People suffering from lymphedema are found out to be susceptible to skin infections. Because of the damaged lymphatic system, the body cannot fight properly and efficiently against different microorganisms responsible for the development of various infections.
Certain measures may prevent skin infections in areas of the body affected by lymphedema. First of all, avoid injections and reading of blood pressure in these areas of your body. If you happen to scratch or cut yourself there, react instantly and apply some antiseptic to prevent infection. Use insect repellents to avoid insect bites. When working in the garden or around the house, get used to wear gloves, to avoid cuts.
Avoid hot baths and showers, as well as sunbeds and saunas, because these may worsen your lymphedema. Moisturize your skin every day and use sun creams to prevent sunburns. Use electric razor to avoid cuts.
Cut your nails short and use hand creams. Make sure to wear properly fit shoes and see a chiropodist for foot and nail care, telling him/her you have lymphedema. Avoid tight fitted clothes and jewelry.
Lymphedema Lifestyle
Eating healthy and maintaining healthy weight is important for every patient suffering from lymphedema. You should known that BMI over 30 puts a person at risk to develop this condition, while excess weight adds pressure to already existing lymphedema and may worsen current problems.Heat and alcohol may also worsen lymphedema symptoms, as well as airplane travel.
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