Download Skin Care - Lincolnshire Community Health Services

For further information please contact:
Lymphoedema Service
Tennyson Suite
Skegness Hospital
Dorothy Avenue
Skegness
PE25 2BS
Tel:
01754 613515
Fax:
01754 760132
LCHS2014/1560 Review Date May 2016
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Skin Care
Macmillan Lymphoedema Service
Skin care is important in the management of lymphoedema.
Moisturising the skin
There are three main reasons why you should look after
your skin
Moisturising is important because lymphoedema can cause
the skin to dry and thicken. It is better to moisturise at night
as this gives your skin a chance to absorb the cream
overnight, and if you wear a lymphoedema garment this will
be easier to apply in the morning.
Aqueous cream is available from most chemists and is
inexpensive and effective, other alternatives are Diprobase
and Hydromol. Even if the skin looks in good condition a
very slight dryness may not be visible to the eye.
Dry skin sometimes cracks and this can increase the risk of
infection (cellulitis).
Reduces the risk of getting a skin infection (cellulitis)
Helps to keep your skin soft and supple
Prevents skin from becoming dry and cracked.
Daily skin care routine:Observing the skin
Look for any signs of redness, cuts, grazes, insect bites or
scratches. If any are found treat straight away by washing
and drying the area then applying an antiseptic cream such
as TCP or Savlon. Observe the area carefully for signs of
redness or rash and increased swelling. If any of these
develop or you have flu like symptoms or fever and pain
you must seek medical attention urgently. You may need
treatment with antibiotics.
Cleansing the skin
Wash your skin daily and pay particular attention to any skin
folds or creases i.e. underneath your arms, groin area and
in between fingers and toes.
Gently dry the skin by patting instead of rubbing and again
pay particular attention to skin folds, creases, underneath
arms, groins and in between fingers and toes.
Does it matter how I apply the cream?
YES. When you apply your cream, if you begin at the top of
your limb and move downwards towards fingers and toes ,
always use a gentle sweeping movement back up to the
top of the limb and across your shoulder to the base of your
neck(if at the arm), and up towards your hip (if at the leg).
Always do a final smoothing sweep down in the direction of
hair growth, this is to prevent infection forming at the hair
follicles.
For scaly or extra dry skin the lymphoedema nurses will be
available to advise the most appropriate cream required for
its treatment.
Adapted from the Lymphoedema Support Network Leaflet and British
Lymphology Society Consensus Document