Upper 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 your arm(s) thoroughly, especially under skin folds and between fingers.

Apply non-perfumed moisturiser to your arm(s) 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.

Wear sun cream or long sleeves when your arm is exposed or when doing high risk activities, such as gardening.

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.

Be careful when shaving armpit hair; consider using an electric shaver.

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, physio).

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

Wear compression garments (if applicable) when exercising or active to support and protect your arm..

Build up activity and exercise levels gradually.

Positioning your arm(s)

Complete regular, gentle movement of your arm to improve circulation and lymph flow, and reduce joint stiffness, as guided by your lymphoedema practitioner.

Placing a pillow under your arm and armpit when resting can help to support the swollen limb and improve the flow of circulation/lymph.

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 an armsleeve should sit 2cm below the armpit.

Bra and underwear garments should be well fitting and supportive but not tight.

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

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 rerefer if you have been discharged.