Risk Reduction Practices

• Keep extremity clean and dry.
• Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chafing of skin.
• Attention to nail care; do not cut cuticles.
• Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
• If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws.
• Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent).
• If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (i.e., redness).
• If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately.

II. Activity/Lifestyle

• Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise.
• Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery.
• Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness.

• Avoid limb constriction
• If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken on the at-risk arm.
• Wear loose fitting jewelry and clothing.

• Should be well-fitting.
• Support the at-risk limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e., weight lifting, prolonged standing, running).
• Wear a well-fitting compression garment for air travel.

• Avoid exposure to extreme cold, which can be associated with rebound swelling, or chapping of skin.
• Avoid prolonged (>15 minutes) exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs and saunas.
• Avoid immersing limb in water temperatures above 102 °F.

• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.
• When possible, avoid crossing legs.
• Wear proper, well-fitting footwear.

Risk Reduction Practices were developed by the Medical Advisory Board for the National Lymphedema Network (NLN). For more information, see the NLN web site at www.lymphnet.org.