With Massage by Karla
Summer heat can cause blood vessels to expand, increasing the amount of fluid that leaks out of blood vessels and into tissues. When the lymphatic system is inefficient or compromised, this excess fluid does not return properly to the lymphatic system and lymphedema can occur. Summer heat can contribute to increased swelling in patients with lymphedema.
To prevent swelling and discomfort from lymphedema this summer, follow these tips:
Lymphedema is a condition that causes chronic swelling due to an abnormal buildup of protein-rich fluid just under the skin, often due to damage to lymph vessels or nodes from cancer treatment, radiation, and surgery. The summer sun and heat can contribute to increased swelling and risk of infection in patients with lymphedema. To prevent lymphedema from worsening during the summer heat, check out our tips for managing lymphedema this summer!
Tips to control lymphedema in summer ...
Stay cool
Limit your time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day [11 a.m. to 11 p.m.] to 3 p.m.].
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Wear loose, non-constrictive clothing in breathable fabrics such as HEMP - Linen or cotton.
When you are indoors, be sure to relax in an air-conditioned space.
If you become overheated, lift the affected limb and place a cold towel over it.
Avoid hot showers and baths, opting for colder ones.
Avoid hot tubs, even if the affected limb is outside the hot tub, as the extreme water temperature can raise body temperature and exacerbate swelling.
Swimming and sunburn
Chlorine can dry out the skin and cause breakage; Use a moisture barrier cream before and after getting into the water.
Exercising with your compression socks in a cold water during the summer is a great low-impact exercise to help drain lymphatic fluid. Water also provides a natural compressive force on the body and affected extremities.
Swim with your compression sleeve and/or place the compression sleeve on the affected limb after swimming; Dry and moisturize the affected extremity completely after swimming.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. A sunburn places an additional burden on the lymphatic system and can increase swelling.
Wear protective footwear, particularly in oceans and lakes, to prevent cuts and risk of infection.
Insect bites
Use insect repellent to prevent bites and possible infections.
Treat insect bites immediately to prevent swelling or itching by washing and drying the area well and placing antibiotic cream on the bite site.
Compression garments
Put on the compression garment after the warm weather begins and when it ends so that the garment better adjusts to the seasonal change in your edema.
Chill the compression garment in the refrigerator to get a cooling sensation on the affected limb when you put it on and go outside in the heat.
Compresion Socks until knees or Full legs (depending on your case)
Travel
Avoid salty foods as salt can cause the body to retain fluids and stay hydrated, minimizing caffeine and alcohol.
Always wear a compression garment when traveling, especially on a plane, as air pressure decreases in the cabin as the plane climbs.
Reserve an aisle seat on a plane so you can get up and walk around with ease.
Avoid carrying heavy luggage with the affected limb.
Break the trip into segments so you can exercise during layovers and allow the body to return to normal air pressure and the lymphatic system to recover before taking the next plane.
Stretch before getting in the plain ... but if is a long flight try to stand up each 2 hours walk around the plain and try to find a spot a do some streching and breathing execirses
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