5 things every GP should know about lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a chronic and permanent swelling which can affect any area of the body, most commonly affecting the limbs. It can impact on a person’s body image, self-esteem and cause not only physical, but emotional distress as well.
The list below is by no means a definitive or finite description of lymphoedema and is to be used as a guide only.

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1 Causes

• Primary – Hereditary, Congenital
• Secondary – Many Cancers and their treatments, Venous disease, Immobility, Injury, Filariasis

2 Treatment

• Skin care – daily inspection,washing and moisturizing of skin.
• Exercise and maintenance of mobility.
• Compression garments / multi-layer lymphoedema bandage.
• Simple / Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Referral to specialist clinic

• Lymph node removal: irradiation increases the risk
• Venepuncture or blood pressure on at risk or oedematous limb
• Wounds

5 Medication

• NONE – condition requires self management and specialist support
  
• Diuretics only if patient has cardiac history
• Antibiotics as per Consensus Document for Cellulitis
• Pain control – need to identify cause of pain

This was first published by the by the British Lympholgy Society (BLS). There is a free BMJ learning module on lymphoedema available to healthcare professionals.

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You might also be interested in:

• 5 facts you should know about lymphoedema
• 5 facts your doctor should know about lymphoedema
  

• Manual Lymph Drainage

• Deep Oscillation

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List of treatments
- Myofascial Release (MFR) - Saving Hands massage -
- Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® - ATMAT -
- Seated Acupressure - Indian Head Massage - Pulsing - Reiki -
- Reflexology - Tsuboki Foot Massage - Hopi Ear Candles -
- Hot and Cold Stone Massage - Myofascial dry cupping -
- Aromatherapy Massage - Aromatherapy Lymphatic Massage (ALM) -
- Fertility Massage - Pregnancy Massage - Post-natal Massage -
- Dorn Method - Breuss Massage -
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) - Deep Oscillation -
- Holistic Facial - Face Vitality - Total Detox -

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