Good skin care is one of the simplest and most important ways to manage lymphedema. When lymph fluid builds up, the skin in the swollen area becomes stretched, dry and less able to fight off germs. Even a small cut or bug bite can turn into a serious infection called cellulitis, which can make swelling worse.
The good news: a few minutes of care each day can protect your skin, lower your risk of infection and help your compression garments work better.
Your daily skin care routine
Think of it as three steps: clean, dry, moisturize.
Clean gently. Wash the affected area every day with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser. Avoid hot water and harsh or deodorant soaps, which dry the skin.
Dry carefully. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing. Pay close attention to skin folds and between your toes or fingers, where moisture can lead to fungal infections.
Moisturize every day. Apply a fragrance-free, low-pH lotion or cream to keep skin soft and prevent cracks. Products with petroleum, lanolin or ceramides work well for very dry skin. Don't put lotion between your toes.
Check your skin. Look over the affected area daily, using a mirror for hard-to-see spots. Look for dryness, cracks, redness, rashes, blisters or any break in the skin.
Protecting your skin from injury
Any break in the skin is an open door for bacteria. These habits help keep your skin intact:
Wear gloves for gardening, cleaning, washing dishes and handling pets.
Use an electric razor instead of a blade to shave the affected area.
Care for nails gently. File nails straight across, and don't cut or push back cuticles. See a podiatrist if you have trouble trimming toenails.
Protect against sun and bugs. Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and insect repellent when outdoors.
Avoid burns. Be careful with hot pans, ovens and bath water. Avoid hot tubs, saunas and heating pads on the affected limb.
Wear protective footwear if your legs are affected. Don't walk barefoot, even at home.
Ask about your affected limb. Talk with your doctor about whether to avoid blood draws, shots or blood pressure checks on that side.
If you do get a cut, scrape or bite, wash it right away with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage. Watch it closely over the next few days.
Skin care and your compression garments
Compression garments control swelling, but they also sit against your skin all day. A little extra care keeps both your skin and your garments in good shape.
Moisturize at night. Apply lotion after you take garments off, or let it soak in fully before putting them on. Heavy lotions can weaken the fabric and make garments harder to put on.
Put garments on smoothly. Wrinkles and bunched fabric create pressure points that can irritate or break the skin. Donning gloves and aids make this easier.
Keep garments clean. Wash them as the manufacturer recommends, usually daily, to remove sweat, oils and bacteria.
Watch for problem spots. Redness, marks that don't fade, blisters or itching can mean a poor fit or a worn-out garment.
Replace garments on schedule. Most garments lose compression after about six months of daily wear. Worn garments don't control swelling as well.
Know the warning signs of infection
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that people with lymphedema are more likely to get. It can spread quickly, so early treatment matters. Call your doctor the same day if you notice:
Redness or a rash that is spreading
Skin that feels warm, hot or tender
New or sudden increase in swelling
Pain, aching or a feeling of heaviness that is new
Red streaks moving away from the area
Fever, chills or feeling like you have the flu
If you have a high fever or feel very sick, go to urgent care or the emergency room. Your doctor may ask you to stop wearing your compression garment until the infection clears. Some people who get cellulitis often keep antibiotics on hand, so ask your doctor whether that's right for you.
How Midwest Compression can help
The right garment, fitted correctly, protects your skin as well as controlling swelling. Midwest Compression offers ready-to-wear and custom compression garments, wraps and pneumatic compression pumps from trusted brands like Juzo, Sigvaris, Medi, Jobst and L&R. Our team can help you find a comfortable fit, choose donning aids and keep your garments replaced on schedule.
Since 2024, Medicare covers compression garments for patients with a lymphedema diagnosis. Contact us to learn whether your garments may be covered. Email us at customersupport@midwestcompression.com or call 800-883-1549.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or lymphedema therapist about the skin care routine that's right for you.
