Lowering your risk of lymphoedema

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight

Some research suggests that being overweight can increase your risk of lymphoedema. This can happen because of the extra pressure on the lymphatic system. This means the lymphatic system might not work as well in moving the lymph fluid around the body.

Maintaining a healthy weight is part of being fit and well. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and move regularly.

A healthy diet means eating mostly:

• fruits and vegetables

• wholegrains, like wholewheat pasta, oats and wholemeal bread

• healthy sources of protein such as fish, pulses or chicken

And cutting down on:

• processed and red meat

• alcohol

• foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt

Find out more about healthy eating

Exercise and movement (physical activity)

Physical activity helps to encourage lymph flow. Research has found that any type of exercise and movement can help to lower the risk of developing lymphoedema.

There are many different ways to be physically active. Some of these include:

• water based exercises such as swimming or aqua aerobics

• mind and body exercises such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi and qi gong

• walking, this could include walking your dog

• gym workouts

• muscle strengthening exercises

• dancing

• household chores such as cleaning and gardening

• deep breathing exercises

Skin care

You can help to lower your risk of lymphoedema by looking after your skin. Especially the area where you've had treatment to the lymph nodes. Any trauma, such as cuts and infections, can increase the risk. Sometimes an infection shows as a spreading red area or red streaks along the limb. On black and brown skin this might be less obvious, but the area may be darker or purple. The area may also feel warm, painful and firm.

To care for your skin you should:

• check your skin daily for any changes

• wash your skin gently and make sure you dry it completely, paying attention to skin folds and between the toes

• moisturise with a non perfumed emollient daily. This helps to prevent the skin from becoming dry and flaky

• wear insect repellent to avoid bites and stings

• be careful when you cut your nails to avoid cutting your skin. Scrub underneath the nails with soap and water to prevent infection

• be careful when removing body hair. Using hair removal cream or an electric razor can be better than shaving, waxing and plucking. Test any creams first on another part of your body

• avoid extremes of temperature, both hot and cold. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Use it generously, reapply regularly and use together with shade and clothing

• clean and dry any scratches, burns or cuts. Then apply an antiseptic cream and a plaster

People at risk of developing arm lymphoedema should also:

• wear gloves when gardening and doing DIY

• wear oven gloves to avoid burns when taking things in or out of the oven

Injections and blood tests

Avoid injections and blood tests, where possible, in any part of your body where you've had treatment to your lymph nodes. There is no firm evidence to suggest that having these procedures in the affected area will lead to lymphoedema. But if it can be avoided, it is probably better to do this. This isn't always easy to do, especially if you're having treatment such as chemotherapy or if you need regular blood tests.

Talk to the person who is going to take some blood or give you an injection. It may be necessary to use this area in some situations.

Taking your blood pressure

Where possible, avoid having blood pressure checks on an arm that’s at risk of developing lymphoedema. There isn't strong evidence to support this advice and it may be necessary to use the arm that is at risk sometimes. Speak to your specialist nurse if you have any questions or concerns about this.

Air travel

Research suggests that flying doesn't increase the risk of developing lymphoedema.

Check with your doctor or nurse before flying if you’ve had any early signs of lymphoedema. These signs can include a feeling of heaviness or tightness in a limb. Or you might find that your rings or other jewellery are getting tight.

Your specialist might suggest wearing a compression garment when flying. This can help to prevent further problems if you have had swelling before.

If you have lymphoedema, wear your compression garment as usual during the day or as your specialist has advised.

A compression garment must fit properly, without being too loose or too tight. A trained specialist needs to measure you for a garment.

When on a flight:

• move around as much as you can

• circle your ankles and move your legs and arms while you are sitting - this helps lymph fluid to circulate. Deep breathing can also help

• drink water to keep hydrated

Find out about compression garments