Lymphedema and Wound Care

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph nodes act like a drain in your sink. If the drain is clogged, the fluid cannot drain. It usually occurs in the arms or legs but can occur in other parts of the body.

Lymphedema affects an estimated 35 million individuals in the United States, with over 140 million people worldwide (Ratliff et al., 2022).

What are the causes of lymphedema?

• Congenital
• After surgery
• Lymphatic trauma
• Infection
• Radiation therapy
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Obesity is an independent risk factor

What can lymphedema lead to?

Progressive swelling can lead to fibrosis (firm skin), irreversible skin changes, and heaviness in the affected limbs with reduced mobility.

Lymphedema is associated with a high risk of wounds, recurrent episodes of cellulitis (skin infection), deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), lymphangiosarcoma (rare), decreased quality of life, and increased health care costs for frequent clinic visit and recurrent hospitalizations (Ratliff et al., 2022).

What are treatment options for lymphedema?

• Balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercise: walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, calf muscle pump exercises
• Skin care: skin cleansing, low pH lotions, emollients (mixes of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin)
• Compression therapy prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Lymphedema Program management (an available service at Oaklawn Hospital Physical Therapy)
• Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (lymphedema pumps) prescribed by a healthcare provider

The Oaklawn Wound Care Center and the Lymphedema Program work together to co-manage lymphedema associated wounds.

World Lymphedema Day and Awareness

Lymphedema Awareness Week is celebrated March 4-10, 2024 with March 6, 2024 marking World Lymphedema Day. We encourage everyone to wear blue on March 6 in support of people living with this chronic condition.

Ratliff, C. R.; Yates, S.; McNichol, L.; Gray, M. (July/August 20220. Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema (CLEVDAL): Update of the VLU Algorithm. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. 49(4): 331-346. | DOI: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000889