Risk of lymphedema?

lymphedema runs on one side of my family and i think i have the body build to get it. What can i do to prevent it?

At this point in your life, the best thing to do would be to talk to your physician and educate yourself. Although you may not be able to prevent it, you can minimize by learning to recognize it early and seek treatment immediately if you notice a change in how your clothes are fitting...espeically around the cuffs of your pant leg, if your skin becomes espeically dry and begins to thicken or if you notice unexplained weight gain.

Your best preventative mesures are to maintain a normal, healthy weight, take good care of your skin...being particularly careful about wearing sunscreen and mosquito repellent when approrpiate, and eating a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh, low-fat foods. Certainly a class 1 compression garment for your lower extremities would be a reasonable idea if you fly frequently...other than that, your best bet is to just be a healthy person and watch for any signs of the disease.

talk to your doctor. he will know the best answers to that. anyone can say but your body is different. each individual is different and the doc knows more of your history. he can say more than anyone here can think. he'll lead you in the right direction. dont be afraid to ask him questions about it. or you can go to a pharmacy and ask at the desk. they are usually very informative. and you can ask anything there too. tell them your just concerned or they will not offer info thinking you may sue if they are incorrect. good luck. your in my thoughts and prayers.

GREETINGS, Jenina. It's possible you could be genetically prone to it and develop it or you may never develop it, just depends on if you have less lymph nodes or any malformation in the lymphatics.

The best thing you can do is learn as much as you can about the lymphatic system, how it works, and why you are at risk.

Take limb measurements. These establish the baseline for future comparative measurements.

Wear a compression garment when flying or traveling at high altitudes.

Weight control

Excess weight puts added strain on your already stressed lymphatic system. Therefore keeping your body weight within a normal range is important an important preventive factor.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise helps the lymphatic system function properly. It also helps you feel better and is important in weight control.

Avoid Overheating

Avoid sunburn, overheating, and other skin injuries. Many structures of the lymphatic system are located just under the skin and any damage to these tissues can trigger the onset of lymphedema.

Avoid steam rooms, hot tubs, and saunas. These facilities are designed to raise your core body temperature and make you to sweat. Such heat is best avoided because it increases swelling and could cause the onset of lymphedema.

Skin Care - Avoid trauma/injury and reduce infection risk
鈥?Keep extremity clean and dry.
鈥?Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chaffing of skin.
鈥?Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles.
鈥?Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
鈥?Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
鈥?If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws.
鈥?Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., gardening, working with
tools, using chemicals such as detergent).
鈥?If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe
for signs of infection (i.e. redness).
鈥?If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like symptoms occur,
contact your physician immediately.
II. Activity / Lifestyle
鈥?Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise.
鈥?Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery.
鈥?Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture,
soreness, heaviness or firmness.