At present, more and more in the surgery of breast cancer used these technologies and techniques that can significantly reduce the risk of lymphedema (eg, removal of lymph nodes instead of the full signal excision of regional lymph nodes). But if you had surgery or a mastectomy, axillary dissection a few years ago, when these methods are not used, then you may be a risk of this disease. It is therefore very important to observe the necessary rules to help prevent the appearance of lymphedema. In the event of injury or any infection in the hand should immediately take steps to prevent lymphedema. Prevention - the best way to prevent lymphedema. It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat. It is therefore very important to know the prognostic signs of lymphedema and the time to take action.
The first thing that is important to observe - is skin care. The skin is a barrier between the external environment and the organism. Therefore, any of her injuries - cuts, burns, bites, scratches - serve as a gateway for infection.
General signs of infection: Fever, Redness of the skin, Swelling and fever in the area of edema.
An infection that gets into the skin or soft tissue, causing inflammation, signs of which have just described above. These symptoms may quickly go above and cover the entire hand. In this case, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. It is important not to try to begin to make their own better not take the time and effort, and consult a physician.
If you already have swelling in your hands or you are a diabetic, antibiotics are usually prescribed, even in the absence of these symptoms, since these states rip off infection more difficult.
Sometimes when you already have a considerable swelling of hands, the infectious process in the soft tissues can be caused by interference with the dentist. This is due to the fact that in such cases as a result of manipulation of the teeth in the blood level of circulating bacteria. And as in the swollen arm microcirculation is very slow, it leads to the infection settles in this place, which is manifested by inflammation in the absence of any damage to the skin.
Tips for the prevention of lymphedema:
Never ignore the appearance of even a small swelling arms, hands, fingers or chest. Consult a physician immediately.
Regularly lubricate the skin and often hand. It is advisable to use for this special lotions. In this way you spend preventing dry skin, which is manifested by cracks, which are a gateway for infection.
Try to contain the patient's hand in a special clean, but do not use scented soaps (despite the fact that the advertising claims that it is tender). Instead, use a moisturizing soap (glycerin, lanolin, or Dove).
With hard work in the yard, home cleaning or washing dishes, use special gloves.
During the daily household chores, try to rest more often, especially if you note the severity or increasing in hand.
Avoid lifting heavy things broken hand. Do not lift more than 6 - 7 lbs.
Do not wear tight jewelry and elastic bands on the injured hand and fingers.
Avoid temperature fluctuations expressed by bathing, washing dishes, and is not recommended to visit the sauna and taking hot baths. Always protect your hands from the sun.
Use protective gloves when handling hot objects (pots, kettle, etc.) to avoid burns.
If you shave in the armpit area, use only electric razor rather than a safety razor.
It is advisable to use special ointments and creams from mosquito bites to prevent them.
When working with a sewing needle, try to use a thimble.
Regularly let the patient to relax hand. To do this, keep it in the raised position. But do not leave your hand for a long time without support, as this comes muscle fatigue.
If you have diabetes and regularly check your blood sugar levels to avoid complications of this disease from the tissue hand.
If you already have swelling in your hands, then during the flight by plane we recommend wearing special compression bandages or sleeves (see treatment).
Do not take hot baths or showers.
Try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
It is recommended not to use heavy prosthesis after a mastectomy, as they can squeeze the so-called collateral (alternative) way of lymphatic drainage of the upper extremity.
It is recommended to quit smoking. The nicotine contained in tobacco constricts the capillaries, resulting in impaired outflow of fluid.
Do not abuse alcohol. It causes vasodilation, which is accompanied by accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
Never perform blood pressure measurement on the hand, where there is lymphedema.
Not recommended for any medical manipulation of the patient hand: vaccinations, injections, blood sampling.
