Skin Care and Protective Approaches in Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an important life-threatening complication that effects the lifestyle and functions of individuals, causing physical and psychosocial problems and also effects their quality of life negatively. Although its treatment was considered as impossible in the past, today various methods have been suggested in order to prevent lymphedema, controlling the symptoms, reducing complications and treat when it develops. These methods can be aligned as; patient education, skin care, limb elevation, massage and physical therapy, physical activity and exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, self (simple) lymphatic drainage, pneumatic pumps, low level laser therapy, compression bandages and clothing, medical treatment, surgical treatment. Skin care is quite important step in terms of protecting and maintaining integrity of healthy skin, providing hydration of the skin, preventing lymphedema, treating complications of lymphedema, providing patient comfort and reducing the risk of infection. Although there is no evidence that supports the role of skin care for lymphedema; there are common opinions that are being suggested by experts regarding protection of the skin that considered to be a critical component of self-care to reduce the risk of lymphedema or exacerbation of established lymphedema. Therefore, patients with lypmhedema or at risk of developing lymphedema must be educated about proper skin care principles and must be reminded that their cooperation about these principles is needed.