The summer sun and summer heat can contribute to increased swelling and risk of infection in lymphedema patients. To prevent the worsening of lymphedema during the summer heat, check out our tips to manage lymphedema this summer!
If you live with lymphedema, and if you live in the Midwest, chances are that you notice more discomfort and swelling when summer heats up. While there's nothing you can do about the weather, there are some things you can do to increase your comfort and safety in the heat and humidity.
If you are living with lymphedema, the summer sun is not a friend. Alexa's advice is to avoid excessive sun exposure to reduce chances of sunburn. You can still get a sunburn even if you are wearing your compression garment. Sunburn can aggravate your lymphatic system and can increase swelling.
The part of your body affected by lymphoedema is more vulnerable to infection of the build-up of fluid within the tissues. Any cuts in your skin can allow bacteria to enter your body and may quickly develop into an infection. Skin infections can also damage your lymphatic system and cause lymphoedema to develop.
The heat will make the vessels larger and the sudden drop in temperature will make the lymphatic vessels quickly shrink, squeezing the lymphatic fluid and forcing it to flow through the system. This can be done multiple times in repetition.
In addition, heat may increase the lymph flow but however for it to be effective in the treatment of lymphedema there must be an increase in the removal of protein from the cellular interstice.
Stay away from extreme heat or cold.
It can also cause fluid to build up. Don't use hot tubs, saunas, or a heating pad. Cold can also damage skin. Don't use ice packs on the treated area.
Of course, lymphedema patients should be careful not to drink too much water, which can overwhelm the body and make swelling worse. Those with lymphedema should be wary of beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to dehydration. For this reason, coffee and lymphedema do not mix well.
Deep breathing is helpful for all types of lymphoedema, even head and neck swelling. It works by changing the pressure in your tummy (abdomen) and chest. This encourages lymph to flow back into the blood system. Deep breathing can also help you to relax.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling. using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn. wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but "water pills" usually won't. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition.
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
Don't be afraid to sweat!
Sweating helps detox the body and supports lymphatic function. Saunas and steam baths are OK with your doctor's approval. Be sure to check with your medical team because excessive temperatures can exacerbate lymphedema.
Needless to say, sitting all day long with a compromised lymphatic system puts a serious kink in the hose and can aggravate existing swelling.
A few supplements have been tested for lymphedema treatment. Among them, GARLIVE® containing hydroxytyrosol, hesperidin, spermidine and vitamin A, exhibited promising effects in the animal model.
Stage 2 (irreversible lymphedema): Fibrosis — the deposition of loose, disorganized collagen tissue — has occurred. Without intervention, no matter how long the patient elevates or compresses the affected body part, it will not return to baseline contour and volume.
Most experts recommend moderate exercise regularly for people struggling with lymphedema. Aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming can really help to move lymph fluid out of your problem areas and lower the swelling. Talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Avoiding high salt foods and added salt is advisable for general health. Limiting processed foods is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. A small number of studies have shown that altering the fat content of the diet may reduce lymphoedema swelling.
Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
The summer sun and summer heat can contribute to increased swelling and risk of infection in lymphedema patients.
Decreased physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue occurs frequently in patients with lower limb lymphedema. Nearly a third of patients with lower limb lymphedema experienced three of more physical symptoms,17 and these symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing, heat, and walking.
Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for treating lymphedema and consists of a decongestion phase, followed by a maintenance phase.