Lower Body Lymphoedema Self Management Plan

If you have any questions, telephone the Dorothy House Lymphoedema Service on 0345 0130 555.

Advice from the information sheet

Looking after your skin

Wash and dry legs thoroughly, especially under skin folds and between toes.

Apply moisturiser to legs daily; make sure the last stroke is in a downwards direction towards the toes, to prevent folliculitis (infection of hair follicles).

Protect your skin by avoiding sunburn, cuts, bites and scratches: apply antiseptic to any areas of broken skin.

Monitor skin for signs of cellulitis (infection of the skin): common symptoms are pain, swelling, heat, redness, blistered or broken skin and fevers.

If you have signs of infection, contact your GP or call 111 out of hours.

Keep nails clean and well-trimmed: seek professional help of a chiropodist or podiatrist if required.

If skin becomes sore, blistered or is weeping/leaking, inform your GP practice or community nurse.

Be careful when shaving your legs and avoid waxing or epilating as this can cause inflammation to the skin.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Aim to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Keep well hydrated and eat a balanced diet: maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the strain on your lymphatics.

Aim to complete 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week: walking, cycling, swimming or gardening are good ideas to consider.

If you are new to exercise you may wish to seek the advice and support of a healthcare professional (GP, lymphoedema practitioner, physio).

Complete the lymphoedema specific exercise programme daily that was given by your lymphoedema practitioner.

Build up activity and exercise levels gradually.

Positioning your legs

Elevate your legs to hip level when sitting for long periods (i.e.: more than 20 minutes) especially if your swelling builds up during the day.

Change your position regularly to improve circulation and reduce joint stiffness: stand, walk or complete gentle leg exercises, as guided by your lymphoedema practitioner.

Wearing compression garments

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you wear a compression garment to help with swelling.

When you first get the garment, gradually build up the time you wear it by 1-2 hours each day, or as advised.

When applying your garment, you should be in a safe and supported position: you may also need help from a relative/carer or want to use an aid to help you to get the garment on and off.

Once on, the fabric of the garment should be smooth to your skin without any wrinkles or creases.

Do not fold the garment over.

The top of a knee length stocking should sit 2cm under the bend of the knee.

The top of a thigh length stocking should sit 2cm under the crease of the buttock.

If, when wearing your garment, your feet/toes become very cold, blue, you feel any pins and needles, numbness or you experience any pain, remove the garment immediately.

Wear supportive footwear over your garments.

Follow washing instructions as per garment information leaflet.

Garments should be replaced every six months or if damaged. Set a reminder in your phone, diary or calendar each year and inform your GP or Prescriptions Team when you need a new set of garments.

If garments no longer fit or your swelling has changed, call your Lymphoedema Service or ask your GP to refer you again if you have been discharged.