Head and Neck 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 your face and neck thoroughly, especially under skin folds.

Apply non-perfumed moisturiser to your face and neck daily.

Protect your skin by avoiding sunburn, cuts, bites and scratches:

• Wear a hat and apply suncream when you are exposed to the sun; use a Sun Protection Factor of at least 30 (SPF30)
• Use mosquito / bug spray where necessary
• Apply antiseptic to any areas of broken skin
• If you shave, use a clean electric shaver

Avoid trauma to the affected area (i.e. injections, blood samples, hair removal).

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.

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

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, physiotherapist).

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

Build up activity and exercise levels gradually

Positioning

You may find that when you lie flat (i.e.: overnight in bed) the swelling builds up; lymph fluid (swelling) usually drains from the face and neck towards your body, so when you are lying flat this process slows down.

Where possible, consider your positioning in bed and use pillows and cushions to support your head and neck to allow the lymph fluid to drain.

Completing gentle range of motion exercises when getting up can help to promote the flow of this fluid.

Self-Lymphatic Drainage

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you follow a Self-Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) care plan.

SLD is a form of self massage that helps to move the lymph fluid (swelling) towards its natural pathway(s) to promote drainage with the aim of reducing the swelling.

Further information will be given on an individualised SLD care plan.

Wearing compression garments

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

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

Take care when applying the garment – you may need to use a mirror or the help of a relative to ensure it is in the correct place.

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

If when wearing the garment, you experience pain, discomfort or sensation changes to the head and neck area, remove the garment immediately and inform your lymphoedema practitioner.

Do not wear restrictive clothing around your neck (i.e.: collars, scarves or ties).

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 re-refer if you have been discharged.

For further information, here are some other useful contacts:

Lymphoedema Support Network
Website: Lymphoedema.org
Email: admin@lsn.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7351 4480

Lipoedema UK
Website: lipoedema.co.uk
Email: info@lipoedema.co.uk

British Lymphology Society
Website: thebls.com