Lymphoedema
What is lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a swelling that occurs when lymph fluid cannot drain away. Lyphoedema can be described as primary or secondary. People can develop lymphoedema after a: mastectomy
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Types of lymphoedema
Primary lymphoedema is a condition caused by faulty genes, and it can develop at birth or after puberty. Secondary lymphoedema is when an injury, infection, trauma or cancer damages the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphoedema often develops as a side effect of cancer treatment.
See my February Blog. There is lots of helpful advice about Skin Care in Lymphoedema.
Primary lymphoedema is a condition caused by faulty genes, and it can develop at birth or after puberty. Secondary lymphoedema is when an injury, infection, trauma or cancer damages the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphoedema often develops as a side effect of cancer treatment.
See my February Blog. There is lots of helpful advice about Skin Care in Lymphoedema.
Assessment, treatment and prevention of lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is not curable, but there are ways to manage the symptoms that can help improve quality of life. Treatment is based on four main areas; lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression therapy, massage and exercise.
Prevention is dependent on adapting your lifestyle and getting into a routine with doing the various self-treatments including daily skin care, wearing of lymphoedema garments, regular exercising and use of self-massage where necessary. My focus is on self-management according to your individual needs.
Lymphoedema is not curable, but there are ways to manage the symptoms that can help improve quality of life. Treatment is based on four main areas; lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression therapy, massage and exercise.
Prevention is dependent on adapting your lifestyle and getting into a routine with doing the various self-treatments including daily skin care, wearing of lymphoedema garments, regular exercising and use of self-massage where necessary. My focus is on self-management according to your individual needs.
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