Lymphedema: How to Care for Your Child

Lymphedema is swelling that happens when part of the lymphatic system hasn't developed normally, or is damaged or clogged. This causes fluid (called lymph) to collect in certain areas of the body. When it collects below the skin, that area will look swollen. There is no cure for lymphedema (lim-feh-DEE-muh), but the swelling often can be managed.

A person with lymphedema has a higher risk for infections in the affected area. So good skin care is important:

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for helping your child with manual lymph drainage. Do not do other types of massage on the affected area.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions about using compression garments, bandages, or pumps.

• Your child should wear protective clothing (such as gloves, long-sleeve shirts, pants, or shoes) over the affected area when doing activities that could scratch the skin.

• If your child gets a cut, scratch, or insect bite, wash it right away with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment, if recommended by the health care provider.

• Your child should avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry on the affected area.

• Have your child wear sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors.

• Keep your child's skin well-hydrated with a hypoallergenic moisturizer.

• Your child should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and bathing in hot water.

• Keep your child's nails trimmed. Ingrown nails should be treated by a health care provider.

• Talk to the health care provider about which sports or exercises are OK for your child.

• If your child needs a procedure that involves breaking the skin (such as an injection or IV placement), tell the health care provider about the lymphedema so they can do it on an unaffected area, if possible.

• The swelling does not improve.

• Swelling appears in a new area.

• Your child starts having problems with normal activities.

• Your child has trouble wearing normal clothing or shoes.

Your child:

• gets an animal bite, a burn, or a large or deep cut

• has signs of infection, such as fever, red skin, warm skin, or pain. An infection needs to be treated right away.

What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is a network of tiny tubes (lymph vessels) that run throughout the body next to the blood vessels. The lymphatic system:

• Keeps body fluid levels in balance. Lymph vessels collect fluid (lymph) that leaks out of tiny blood vessels into the body tissues around them. Small lymph vessels pick up the fluid, which eventually is emptied back into the bloodstream. This helps prevent swelling in the tissues.

• Helps fight infections. Lymph flowing through the lymph vessels passes through lymph nodes. The lymph nodes make disease-fighting cells (white blood cells) that filter out germs and destroy them. The cleaned lymph and white blood cells move throughout the body to help fight infection.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema? When fluid builds up in the tissues, it can cause swelling, skin changes, and sometimes discomfort. It usually affects a leg or an arm. Over time, it may be harder to use the affected body part. There is also an increased risk of that body part becoming infected.