Reducing lymphedema risk

Ask your care team if they offer regular screenings for lymphedema or can refer you to a specialist who offers screening. You can also search for lymphedema specialists in your area at the National Lymphedema Network.

On the side where you had lymph nodes removed or radiation treatment, avoid vaccines, injections, acupuncture, blood draws, or blood pressure tests.

Consider wearing a bracelet on the affected arm that tells providers to avoid performing these procedures on that arm. Many companies make bracelets for this purpose, including LinnaLove, mnmoom, and Divoti.

If you are having a procedure at a hospital or outpatient facility, you can order an alert sleeve, which tells providers to avoid using the at-risk arm for tests or needles. One example is G-sleeve.

If you had treatment on both sides, choose the side that had fewer lymph nodes removed or was treated longest ago. In some cases, your leg may be used for these procedures.

• Use sunscreen and seek shade to prevent sunburn.
• Use bug repellent to prevent bug bites that can cause irritation and inflammation.
• Use a nutrient-rich lotion to nourish and moisturize your skin.

If you get a cut or scrape, wash your hands first. Then, rinse the area with cool, running water. Around the wound, you can wash with soap (but avoid getting soap in the wound). Avoid applying hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. These can be irritating.

After cleaning, apply a topical antibiotic and cover with a sterile, non-stick bandage or gauze to avoid infection. As long as it is healing well, there is no cause for concern.

Look for any signs of infection, including:

• Redness or red streaks near the injury
• Rash
• Pus
• Pain
• Skin warmth
• Fever
• Feeling cold or chills

If you notice any signs of infection, it should be treated immediately—the same day. Call your doctor if you experience the above signs of infection.

• Use an oven mitt for cooking and baking and keep your affected arm away from steam.
• Wear gloves to garden, clean, and do house repairs.
• An electric razor helps avoid nicks—which can become infected—to your underarms.

To avoid cuts that could become infected, gently push back your cuticles with a towel after showering. Do not cut cuticles.

Use nail clippers, not scissors, to avoid cuts while trimming nails. If you go to a nail salon for a manicure, consider bringing your own tools to lower the risk of infection.

Being at a healthy weight decreases your risk of lymphedema and may help reduce symptoms. If you had lymph node surgery:

• A body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 is a risk factor for lymphedema after sentinel lymph node biopsy
• A BMI of greater than 25 is a risk factor for lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection

Moving around and using your muscles encourage movement of lymph fluid. This can counteract the effects of sitting or standing for long periods, which makes fluid flow difficult.

Exercise may help reduce the risk of lymphedema. If you are at risk for lymphedema, it’s important to consult with a physical or occupational therapist who specializes in lymphedema and lymphedema risk reduction about an exercise program that doesn’t increase risk. Ask your provider for a referral.

A physical therapist can help you begin exercising slowly, increasing your effort gradually. Talk with them about how to safely lift weights. Research shows that a gradual approach to weightlifting does not increase lymphedema risk.

During exercise, watch for:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Changes in size, shape, or feelings in your arms

Let your provider know if you experience any of these changes.

If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema, exercise is an important part of lymphedema treatment, known as complete decongestive therapy. A lymphedema therapist can show you how to use compression bandages or a compression garment on your arm during exercise. The compression helps your muscles move fluid out of your arms.

Learn more on our exercise and breast cancer page, and discover our BeACTive exercise series for all fitness levels.

Air travel is not associated with an increased risk for lymphedema in people who do not have it. For people who do have lymphedema, research suggests that cabin pressure changes during air travel may worsen symptoms.

• If you have lymphedema, talk with your provider about precautions to take. These may include wearing a well-fitting compression sleeve, glove, or bandages when you fly. Ask about strategies you might use to control any swelling, such as exercises and breathing techniques.
• If you do not have lymphedema, talk with your provider about whether you need to take any precautions, such as stretching your arm before and while you are flying.

Travel tips:

• Stay hydrated.
• Stay mobile; do periodic range-of-motion exercises for your whole body.
• Carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.
• Be mindful of lifting heavy luggage and of getting it out of overhead bins.

Wear rings, watches, bracelets, clothes, sleeves, and cuffs that fit comfortably and are not tight. Try to avoid carrying heavy purses, bags, or groceries on your treated side.

If you want to use a sauna, limit your time at first and watch for any signs of swelling. One study found that saunas may be associated with increased risk of lymphedema.

While there’s no evidence that hot tubs directly cause lymphedema, they can increase the risk of exposure to germs and infections, which can increase the risk of lymphedema in the affected arm. Ask your provider about any precautions to take, such as keeping your at-risk arm out of the hot tub.