Lymphedema is an uncomfortable side effect of breast cancer surgery. It normally starts with a slight and uncomfortable swelling around or in the armpit area. In some cases, the condition starts immediately after breast cancer surgery. In others, it develops several months later or even appears years after the first surgery.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment to get rid of lymphedema. The symptoms can only be lessened through such ways as wearing compression sleeves, going for physical therapy, using pneumatic compression pumps, through elevation, and going for manual lymphatic drainage.
During the winter months, the cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to increased swelling in the affected limb. Additionally, the dry air from indoor heating can cause skin dryness and cracking, increasing the risk of infection. To minimize these challenges, patients with lymphedema should dress warmly and keep their affected limb covered to prevent cold exposure, and also use moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated.
It’s important for patients with lymphedema to be mindful of the seasonal changes and take appropriate measures to minimize the risk of complications and to manage the symptoms.
Managing Lymphedema in Winter
Fortunately, there are quite a lot of ways to manage lymphedema during the months of winter. One of these is wearing suitable medical compression garments. These garments are specially designed to reduce swelling; hence, you can rely on them to treat lymphedema.
They are also designed with comfort in mind; meaning you can wear them for hours to prevent the buildup of fluids in your tissues.
It is important to note that the type of garment you choose should be based on the condition you are suffering from as well as the cause of the swelling. For example, if you are suffering from arm swelling due to breast cancer, then you should consider compression sleeves. But if the swelling is around your feet, ankles, and legs, you should be keen on wearing compression socks or stockings during colder months.
Consider These Compression Garments
The two common types of compression garments to consider to effectively manage lymphedema in winter are:
Graduated Compression-Wear Garments
Graduated compression-wear garments encourage lymph fluids to move from the interstitial spaces of affected tissues and go back to the lymph vessels. Once here, these tissues can circulate back to the heart. To achieve that, these garments squeeze those tissues and put pressure on the fluids so they can make them quickly and easily return to the vessels.
In a nutshell, these garments offer graduated compression to encourage lymph drainage. They do that by squeezing the tissues less tightly nearer the heart and much tighter far from the heart.
Medical Compression Garments
Lymphedema not only causes swelling but also can lead to all sorts of pain and discomfort. Well, medical compression garments come in handy for managing lymphedema in winter. These garments achieve that by applying external pressure.
However, you must note that not every garment cuts it. You need to consult your doctor to know how often you should wear your medical compression garments. The doctor will also tell you when and where to wear these garments.
Another thing to have in mind is that you have to somewhat make skincare practice a priority. That is because wearing medical compression garments for an extended period can make the skin on affected areas thin, fragile, and at risk of flaking, drying, and cracking.
Another Reason to Consider Compression Garments
Compression garments enhance lymphatic function naturally. They manually stimulate the lymphatic drainage of your body as you move. In so doing, these garments naturally support the fluid movement in your body.
Apart from aforesaid sleeves, there are compression socks, which are specially designed to offer endless relief from tired, aching legs as well as mild swelling. These socks are designed with gradient technology that enhances circulation and revitalizes the legs so they can make them look and feel stunning. Another compelling reason to invest in compression socks is that you can use them as performance socks for such activities as walking and sports.
As if that’s not enough, a good number of compression socks are made of a blend of acrylic and nylon. This thoughtful blend wicks away moisture effectively, thereby, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. These socks are also designed in such a way that they offer plenty of room in the heel and toe area for additional comfort as well as optimal fit.
Other Helpful Ways to Manage Lymphedema in Winter
It is not just specially designed compression garments that can help you control lymphedema during winter months. There are other ways too. Well, these include:
Paying Close Attention to the Condition of Your Skin During Winter
During winter months, indoor heat can cause lots of issues if you have lymphedema. It often strips the air of moisture, which, in return, makes the skin itchy and dry. In more severe cases, your skin can start to bleed and crack. It is, therefore, important that you pay close attention to the condition of your skin during winter. This will help you avoid all these.
Use Moisturizing Soap
When showering or bathing during winter, make sure you use a moisturizing soap. As its name suggests, moisturizing soap keeps the skin moisturized and revitalized, which is really important for someone with lymphedema. Ideally, make sure you dry yourself well before you wear compression sleeves. While drying yourself, be keen to do it gently as vigorous scrubbing can cause problems.
Consider Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is one of the most reliable techniques for reducing swelling in the lymphatic system. It is highly preferred because it is easier to apply. All you need is a soft-bristled body brush. Once you have the brush, gently apply it in sweeping or circular motions.
Do this from the ankles to the legs and then the torso. From here, move to your fingertips up to the arms. And, after that, apply these sweeping or circular motions toward the heart. Well, the reason for doing all these is that you want the body to distribute the flow of lymphatic fluid so it can become easier to get rid of it through the urinary tract system.
Applying Deep Penetrating Lotion Regularly
A deep, penetrating lotion is highly recommended; thanks to its ability to fight skin dryness and provide much-needed relief in winter. In fact, such a lotion can help keep everything under control. For proper lotion application, consider starting at the tips of your fingers and then working up the arms towards the shoulders.
Paying Close Attention to Your Limbs
When it is cold, you should pay close attention to your limbs more than ever. In other words, you should check them daily. And, if there is oozing or an open wound on the limb, make sure you seek medical assistance immediately. That is because, if you have lymphedema, infections can rapidly occur and, in more severe scenarios, quickly turn into cellulitis.
Well, this common and potentially dangerous bacterial skin infection makes the affected skin inflamed and swollen. Plus, it makes it warm to the touch and painful. It is, for this reason, you should do whatever has to be done to avoid it.
Taking Care of Yourself When in an Icy Environment
Apart from wearing warm garments when you go outside in icy conditions, you should make sure you take enough precautions to prevent yourself from accidental falls. That is because even a simple fall can injure the affected limb, and the results can be extremely dangerous.
Conclusion
Lymphedema symptoms are worse during winter, to say the least. And, given that there is no treatment so far, all you are left with is to come up with various ways to manage it. Wearing compression sleeves is one effective way to lessen the symptoms of lymphedema.
Furthermore, you can consider other options we have talked about in this post. What makes these tips popular is that they are practical and easy to execute. Besides, a good number of them are not just perfect for winter but also can be relied on during the summer months
For inquiries, please email our office at [email protected], and we will send a quick reply will be sent about your condition. If you require a personal consultation that requires an appointment, please call the office today at 416-782-5353.
