You can do a lot to prevent lymphedema—good nutrition with a high-protein diet, active physical exercise to help your muscles pump the lymphatic fluid, control of obesity. You should also try hard to avoid infections from small cuts you might get working around the house or by doing physical work that might damage or injure the skin on the affected arm or leg.
Even if you follow a prevention program faithfully, lymphedema can occasionally develop years after surgery. This often happens after a local infection, although sometimes it happens for no apparent reason at all. If you develop any evidence of inflammation or infection (cellulitis) with redness or increased swelling, report it to your doctor. He or she can evaluate your condition and prescribe any necessary antibiotics. You may have to stay on antibiotics for several weeks or even months.
Hints for Preventing and Controlling Lymphedema
1. Whenever possible, keep the swollen arm or leg elevated, preferably above the level of the heart. When you
are sitting, put your leg on a chair or stool .
2. Clean and lubricate your skin every day with oil or skin cream.
3. Do everything you can to avoid injuries and infection in the affected limb:
• use an electric razor to shave the limb to avoid skin cuts
