GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:

● Meticulous cleanliness
● Sleep with limb elevated or wrapped
● Exercise: use caution walking, swimming and specially prescribed exercises
● Clothing: avoid tight clothing; tight bras, panties or socks
● Jewelry should fit loosely
● Travel with limb elevated
● Use hypoallergenic soaps and fragrances

AVOID TEMPERATURE EXTREMES:

● Hot baths, hot tubs, hot showers
● Hot packs on your extremity
● Turkish baths, saunas
● Sunbathing

AVOID INFECTION:

● Insect bites
● Manicures, pedicures
● Pet scratches
● Skin punctures and cuts
● Venography
● Lymphography

AVOID BLUNT TRAMA:

● Lifting heavy objects
● Tennis or golf
● Blood pressure cuffs

NUTRITION:

● Excellent nutrition is important - low salt, few fried foods, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables
● Avoid alcohol and nicotine as much as possible
● Avoid obesity

BANDAGING PRINCIPLES:

● The entire limb should be protected by using padding and/or foam.
● Bandaging always starts at the distal end of the arm or leg, continuing proximal, towards the heart.
● Be aware of bandaging angle while wrapping. Guide compression bandages close to the limb with the entire hand and not just individual fingers.
● Maintain slight tension on bandages, except fingers or toes.
● Bandages should never be stretched to its maximum length.
● In order to achieve the desired bandage pressure, several layers of short stretch bandage have to be applied.
● Avoid creasing while bandaging.
● The first bandage is always the light compression, then increase pressure slowly over a comfortable period of time.
● Only use tape, never clips to secure bandaging.

WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING:

● Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose fitting.
● Make especially loose around the limb that is affected by lymphedema.
● This includes shoes and undergarments, as well as watches, jewelry and gloves.