Lymphedema: Treating with Compression Garments

These instructions are for caregivers of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients using compression garments to treat lymphedema.

Important information:

Learn more about lymphedema and additional treatments.

Patient instructions: compression garments

Timing

• Garments should be worn all day. Put the garment on your child when they wake up in the morning and take it off before bed.

• Your child cannot wear a compression garment while sleeping. This limits blood flow and causes more swelling.

• Your child can wear a bandage alternative, also called a nighttime garment, or bandages at night while sleeping.

Garment care

• The compression garment will last 3 to 6 months. Your child must be seen by their therapist every 3 to 6 months to measure and order a new garment.

• Garments must be washed every other day or more. Sweating can damage the fabric very quickly. Replacing damaged garments can become costly.

• Cleaning instructions:

  1. Hand or machine wash with a mild liquid detergent like Ivory® or Dreft® in warm water. Avoid using Woolite®.

  2. Roll the garment in a towel to squeeze out extra water. Do not twist or wring out extra water from the garment. This may cause damage.

  3. Hang garment to fully dry. Do not put garment in the dryer or hang it outside. Sunlight can damage the fabric.

Putting on the garment

• Use rubber gloves to safely put on the garment. This prevents snagging the fabric with jewelry and fingernails.

• Put the garment on a little at a time. Smooth or massage the garment with the gloves if it is bunching up.

• Keep the fabric and seams straight as you put on the garment. Do not fold the garment over or let it roll. This can damage the fabric.

• A mild, moisturizing lotion such as Eucerin® or CeraVe® can be used. Make sure the lotion is absorbed into the skin before putting on the garment.

• Use lotion before bandaging at night or after bathing so the skin can absorb the moisture.

• If you are having a hard time putting the garment on, try:

  • A light dusting of cornstarch.

  • A silicone cream that helps the garment slide on, called ALPS.

  • A garment donner made by Jobst or Juzo.

Reviewed on January 10, 2023, by Megan Beam, PT, DPT; Stacey Caviston, PT, DPT; Ken Knecht, PT, MS