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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 This document can also be made available in different formats and languages upon request. 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