Lymphedema is a progressive condition that has no known cure. For that reason, prevention of the condition is very important. Although most treatment methods have not been scientifically proven, experts recommend a variety of methods to lower the risk of lymphedema or delay the onset of the condition. These include:

• Keeping the affected limb raised above the level of the heart whenever possible.
  
  
• Avoiding infections, burns and injuries to the affected area. The body responds to these conditions by producing additional fluid. Burns and injuries can also trigger infection. In patients who have had removal of or damage to the lymph nodes and lymph vessels, the body is less able to remove the excess fluid. As a result, lymphedema may develop. Patients who are at risk for lymphedema should take steps to avoid injury and infection, including:
  
  
  • Keeping the affected limb clean and dry. The skin of the affected limb should be cleaned daily.
    
    
  • Always drying the areas in between the toes after bathing.
    
    
  • Regularly applying lotion or cream to hands, feet and cuticles to keep these areas soft and moist.
    
    
  • Using a cuticle stick to push back cuticles instead of cutting them with a scissors.
    
    
  • Cleaning and covering any openings in the skin caused by cuts, insect bites, hangnails or torn cuticles by rinsing them with soap and water. Once clean, the openings should be treated with an over-the-counter antibacterial cream and covered with a sterile bandage. 
    
    
  • Applying cold water to a burn for 15 minutes and then rinsing the burn with soap and water. Once clean, a dry, sterile dressing should be applied.
    
    
  • Using an electric shaver to remove unwanted underarm and leg hair. Electric razors are less likely to injure the skin than straight razors or hair removal creams.
    
    
  • Using an insect repellent during outdoor activities to avoid insect bites.
    
    
  • Treating bee stings to the affected limb by washing, applying ice and elevating the limb. Patients should contact their physician if the site of the sting becomes infected.
    
    
  • Avoiding activities that irritate or chap the skin.
    
    
  • When having blood drawn or receiving medications, intravenous lines and injections should be given in the unaffected arm when possible. In addition, patients should have blood pressure measured from the unaffected arm to avoid constriction. Patients should inform their health care team that they are at risk for lymphedema.
    
    
  • Wearing protective gloves when performing household chores involving chemical cleansers or steel wool. Gloves should also be worn during gardening, yard work and washing dishes.
    
    
  • Using a thimble when sewing to prevent needle and pin pricks.
    
    
  • Wearing properly fitting, closed shoes instead of sandals or slippers.
    
    
  • Not going barefoot. The patient’s feet should always be covered when they are outdoors, and the patient should always wear cotton socks.
    
    
  • Seeing a podiatrist when necessary to prevent ingrown toenails and infections.
    
    
  • Avoiding ice packs and other sources of extreme cold. 
    
    
  Patients should contact their physician immediately if they suspect an infection in the affected limb. Signs of infection include rash, red blotches, swelling, a sensation of heat, tenderness or fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit [38 degrees Celsius] or higher).
  
  Steps to avoid burns include:
   
  • Using sunscreen labeled “SPF 15” or higher to prevent sunburn on the affected limb and avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day.
    
    
  • Using oven mitts when cooking.
    
    
  • Avoiding splash burns when frying oil and steam burns when microwaving foods or boiling liquids.
    
    
  • Avoiding hot tubs, saunas, heating pads and other sources of excessive heat.
    
    
  • Testing the temperature of bath water with an unaffected limb. This is necessary because affected limbs may not accurately detect water temperature.
    
    
  Patients should avoid pressure or constriction on the affected limb. This may increase the pressure in neighboring blood vessels, which can increase the fluid level and result in swelling. Steps to avoid constriction and pressure include:
  
  
  • Wearing loose jewelry, clothing and gloves.
    
    
  • Not using shoulder straps to carry purses and briefcases.
    
    
  • Wearing bras with loose-fitting shoulder straps. 
    
    
  • Using a lightweight prosthesis after a mastectomy.
    
    
  • Having blood pressure taken on the unaffected arm. If both arms are affected, blood pressure should be taken on the thigh.
    
    
  • Not wearing socks, stockings or undergarments with tight elastic bands.
    
    
  • Wearing a compression stocking on the affected leg when walking around.
    
    
  • Not crossing legs or arms or sitting in the same position for longer than 30 minutes.
    
    
  • Not sitting in the same position for longer than 30 minutes.  
    
    
• Taking special precautions during air travel when flying frequently or during a long flight. Air travel can trigger lymphedema, possibly due to the low cabin pressure. Steps to avoid lymphedema when flying include:
  
  
  • Wearing a compression sleeve or stocking on the affected limb.
    
    
  • Keeping the affected limb elevated above the level of the heart during travel.
    
    
  • Frequently flexing (bending) the limb during the flight.
    
    
• Maintaining normal use while avoiding muscle strain. Avoiding muscle strain and overuse of the affected limb may prevent lymphedema in some patients. However, maintaining normal use of the limb is essential for proper healing and regaining strength in the limb. Moderate exercise is also an important factor. Steps to avoid muscle strain and overuse of the affected limb include:
  
  
  • Using the affected limb as normally as possible. Patients should continue to use their limb for normal everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, eating and brushing their hair once they are fully healed (approximately four to six weeks after surgery or radiation treatment).
    
    
  • Exercising regularly. Exercise promotes the draining of lymph fluid from the limbs, however patients should avoid overtiring their limb. Following surgery or radiation therapy, patients should discuss exercise with their physician to determine what activities and level of exercise are appropriate.
    
    
  • Discussing compression sleeves or stockings with a physical therapist or physician. Patients should ask their physician or physical therapist if they should be fitted for a compression sleeve or stocking to wear during exercise or other strenuous activities.
    
    
  • Not making rapid circles with the affected limb. This can result in blood collecting in the lower part of the limb.
    
    
  • Treating an aching limb by lying down and elevating it.
    
    
  • Avoiding vigorous, repeated activities, heavy lifting and pulling.
    
    
  • Using the unaffected arm as often as possible to carry heavy packages, such as groceries, handbags and children.
    
    
• Avoiding weight gain. Having excess fat in the limbs requires more blood vessels, creates additional fluid in the limb and places greater strain on the remaining lymph vessels.