Your Lymphedema Home Kit: What to Keep on Hand

Managing lymphedema happens mostly at home, day after day. Keeping the right supplies in one place makes your routine easier and helps you act fast if something changes. Use this checklist to build your kit, or bring it to your next fitting and we'll help you fill the gaps.

Compression

• Two daytime garments for each affected area, so one can be washed while you wear the other

• A night garment or adjustable wrap, if your therapist recommends one

• Short-stretch bandages or an adjustable wrap for flare-ups, if your therapist has taught you to use them

• Foam or chip pads for firm areas, if prescribed

• Your compression pump and its sleeve or legging, if prescribed

• Donning gloves or a donning aid to put garments on without straining

Garment care

• Mild garment wash (no softener or bleach)

• Mesh laundry bag for machine washing

• A clean towel set aside for rolling garments dry

Skin care and infection prevention

Healthy skin is your first defense against infection, which can make lymphedema worse.

• Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to use at night, after garments come off

• Antiseptic wipes or ointment and bandages to clean and cover any cut, scratch or bite right away

• An electric razor instead of a blade

• Gardening and kitchen gloves to protect your hands

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• A thermometer to check for fever if your limb looks red or feels warm

Tracking and comfort

• A soft measuring tape and a notebook or phone note to track limb size at the same spots each week, so you notice changes early

• A wedge pillow or extra pillows to raise your arm or leg when resting

• Your garment reorder date, written where you'll see it (about every 6 months)

• A card with your diagnosis and “no blood pressure, shots or blood draws on this arm” if your therapist advises it

When to call your doctor right away

• The limb turns red, warm, painful or more swollen

• You have a fever or chills

• You notice a rash, blisters or fluid leaking from the skin

These can be signs of cellulitis, an infection that needs prompt treatment.

Need help filling your kit?

Midwest Compression carries garments, night garments, wraps, donning aids and garment wash from Jobst, Juzo, medi, Sigvaris and L&R, and sets up BioCompression pumps. Many supplies can be ordered from our online shop, and prescription items are fitted in Richland, MI. Call (800) 883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223.

Helpful resources

• National Lymphedema Network: Risk reduction practices (PDF)

• National Cancer Institute: Lymphedema

• Breastcancer.org: Lymphedema

This article is general information, not medical advice. Follow your doctor's and lymphedema therapist's instructions for your care.