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Summer Tips For Lymphedema

Beat The Heat

Stay Cool

  • When indoors, stay in well air-conditioned places
  • Limit time spent outside between 11 am and 3 pm
  • Take cool or lukewarm showers vs. very cold water
  • Drink lots of water
  • Avoid salty foods
  • Wear light, loose, non-constricting clothing to allow for the free flow of the lymphatic system.
  • Do not wear items that leave indentations

Garment Care

  • If insurance allows, get measured for garments after the hot weather starts and after it ends. Normal seasonal changes in edema can occur.
  • Wash your compression garment. Sweat, body oils, lotions such as sunscreen can cause the fabric to deteriorate more quickly.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions very carefully regarding whether lotion can be applied prior to donning the garment.

Summer Hazards

Insects

  • Avoid putting insect repellent on skin and then wearing a compression garment over it.
  • Treat insect bites immediately to lessen the histamine effect.

Clothing

  • Wear to protect from accidental scratches, poison ivy, etc.
  • Well fitting shoes with lymphedema in legs.
  • Avoid heavy backpacks.

Sunburn

  • Wear sunscreen
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure.

Summer Hobbies And Sports

Gardening and Lawn Care

  • Wear gloves to protect the hands from injury when gardening.
  • Avoid using affected arm to start lawn mower.
  • Take breaks.

Swimming

  • Wear swimming shoes if swimming in fresh water to avoid cuts and scrapes to feet.
  • Do put compression garment on after getting out of the water.

Sports

  • Take caution with extremely vigorous or contact sports.
  • Pace yourself.
  • Play for shorter periods of time.
  • Take breaks at regular intervals.
  • Wear compression garments or bandage affected limb.

Travel Tips

Before Your Trip

  • If you obtain a new sleeve, wear it for one week before your trip to build up a tolerance to the sleep and evaluate the fit.
  • If the flight will be long, consider arranging a "stop-over" for 1-2 days on the way.
  • Break in new shoes prior to vacation.
  • Consider asking for a prescription for antibiotics in case of an infection in the arm.
  • Purchase some 20-30+ sunscreen (you can get sunburned through a garment).

Suitcases

  • Consider packing two light suitcases rather than one heavy one.
  • To help avoid carrying heavy bags, use the push carts at airports to help move luggage.
  • Purchase a suitcase with wheels.
  • Use the unaffected arm to pull your suitcase.

Hand Luggage

  • Avoid carrying your shoulder bag on the affected shoulder.
  • Carry your medication with you.
  • Make sure your compression garments are in good condition, carry a spare with you.

Car, Train, or Bus Travel

  • Car, train, and bus are worse for leg lymphedema.
  • Use air conditioning to avoid overheating.
  • When not driving, sit in the back seat to elevate your affected limb.
  • Take frequent breaks to get up and walk around.
  • Avoid long periods of driving if you are at risk for arm lymphedema.
  • Do exercises while in your seat.

During Travel

  • Keep your compression garment/bandages on until you arrive at your hotel or destination.
  • Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water.

During Vacation

  • Avoid sunburn.
  • Avoid overheating.
  • Be aware of overdoing sports that you are not used to.
  • Keep your limb cool and well moisturized.
  • Wear protective footwear on the beach to protect the skin. If you do walk barefoot on the sand, be sure to wash your feet and check for cuts and scrapes.