Lymphoedema Summers

Selfcare tips for staying cool in summer provided by L-W-O Community serve as guidelines, you should always consult your Health Care Professional (HCP) or Lymphoedema Specialist.

Living with lymphoedema you might find your affected limb(s) swell more in the summer months, or when you are on holiday because of heat oedema, this is because blood vessels expand with the heat so that the amount of fluid that travels from the blood vessel into the tissue increases swelling.

Do not get to upset as the swelling will go down when the temperatures go down.

Do spend as much time as you can in the fresh air but find some shade and remember to stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Increased swelling, prickly heat, hives, insect bites, and stings are far more likely to happen when the sun is out, or you are on holiday. Good skin care is essential make sure you use plenty of sun cream. The clothes you wear including your underwear should not leave indentations. Underwear that is normally well fitting might feel tighter if your body swells from the heat.

Remember your skin can burn through clothes

However, hard it might be, please wear your compression garment. Wash your compression regularly as body oils, sunscreen and sweat may hasten the deterioration of your garment. Please remember you can get bitten through your compression. Always have a mini first aid kit handy that includes antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent and antihistamines. Bites or stings treat immediately. Keep a spare top or item of clothing in a plastic bag in the fridge for a quick change and cool down.

As temperatures rise, please make sure you drink plenty of water keep yourself hydrated, avoid fizzy drinks, caffeine drinks and alcohol as they tend to increase swelling. Always apply sensible precautions. Eat frequent, modest meals and avoid salty snacks in favour of crunchy ones. Finally, having an oven-free day is my favourite advice for a sweltering day.

Hydration

If you feel thirsty you have already started to dehydrate. This dehydration can cause an increase in thirst, a decrease in urine frequency, a dry mouth and tongue. You may lose large amounts of fluids and essential minerals such as salt and potassium during hot weather. In addition, you may also experience disorientation, and light-headedness.

The best course of action in this situation is to go somewhere cool and drink something, preferably water, not alcohol. Water is essential for regulating body temperature and biological functions.

Cucumber, lettuce, strawberries and watermelon have a high water content, so they can help towards keeping your hydrated.

Warning: Severe conditions require immediate medical attention, including intravenous fluids.

Try not to wait until you are thirsty to drink, it means you are already starting to dehydrate. Start your day with a glass of water. Sugary/fizzy drinks make you thirstier and may increase your swelling.

Alcohol dehydrates your body.

Stings or bites

Remember you can get bitten through compression or clothing

From time to time we all experience insect bites or stings, but for someone who lives with lymphoedema being bitten may become a severe problem. This could cause an increase in swelling which hopefully will only be short lived. Watch for the signs of infection especially for those that experience cellulitis. Check your skin daily and treat any bites immediately. If you experience swelling, feel unwell, run a temperature seek medical help as you may need antibiotics.

Wear an insect repellent especially if you are susceptible to being bitten
Wash the area of the bite or sting
Gently pat dry
Use an antiseptic
Do not scratch
Place a cold compress on the affected area (might ease itching)
Drink plenty of water, to help eliminate toxins from your body
Going on holiday or even a day out? Put together a first aid kit for emergencies

It may be wise to take antihistamines but do ask advice from your health-care provider.

Ask advice from your pharmacist.

Image showings stings and bites on elevated legs

Tips at a glance

Staying Cool

Avoid sun between 11 am and 3 pm
Stay hydrated this helps the body to regulate its temperature
Wear light, loose clothing, not only keeps you cool but won't restrict lymph flow
Elevate limbs
Carry a small spray bottle of water for quick cool downs
Keep a top in freezer bag in the fridge for a cool change
Place cold wet towels over limb for quick cool down
Most homes in the UK do not have air conditioning so closing the curtains is one way to reduce the greenhouse effect or...
Create a cross breeze by leaving doors/windows at opposite ends of room open
Adjust ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise in summer and clockwise in winter
Switch off all appliances not in use to stop them overheating, to prevent adding heat to a room
Houseplants are natural air conditioners
When you are out and about try and find somewhere that is cool or has shade
Keep up your regular #getmoving routine but try to schedule for the cooler hours of the day e.g. early morning or evenings

Sunburn

Wear your compression garment
Remember you can get sun burn through you compression
Remember you can get sunburn through your clothes
Wear a minimum of 30 - 50 SPF sunscreen
Remember to top up sunscreen
Avoid sunburn as this will place additional demands on your lymphatic system and increase swelling
Protect your feet as they can burn and blister easily
Powder inside shoes with antifungal powder to prevent fungal infections
If you have had radiotherapy treatment, make sure you protect the treated area

Swimming

Compression garments - wear an old one to swim in
Check before you swim that you have no breaks in your skin that put you at risk of infection
Take a shower after swimming to wash off chlorine/salt
Thoroughly towel dry, pay particular attention to between the toes and skin folds
Moisturise your skin
Chlorine can dry your skin and may cause a breakage allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection
Wear footwear at all times around the pool to prevent fungal infections including when you are in the shower area
Open water or swimming in the sea, wear water shoes to avoid cutting your feet on shells or stones
Remember sensible precautions - swimming is a great way to #getmoving and keep your lymph flowing

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Be Aware During a Heatwave

Take preventative measures against heat-related illness. Illnesses caused by heatwaves may result in respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Heat can promote dehydration and hinder the brain's ability to get enough blood. This may result in dizziness and fainting.

How can we describe the information provided by the government and the media about an imminent heatwave:

Heatwave - A meteorological word used to provide journalists and the public with consistent and trustworthy communications.

Excessive Heatwave - A warning that emphasises the potential repercussions of intense heat to safeguard lives and property, enabling individuals to make safer options.

Heat Health Alert - It is a service unique to England that assesses the effect of prolonged extreme heat on public health, particularly for those of us who live with chronic health conditions.

Heat cramps – caused by dehydration and loss of electrolytes, may occur after physical activity.

Heat oedema – occurs mostly in the ankles, due to vasodilation and retention of fluid.

Heat rash - small, raised spots, itchy prickly feeling and may include mild swelling.

Heat syncope – due to dehydration can lead to dizziness and fainting

The symptom that is most prevalent is heat exhaustion. The symptoms of exposure to heat, dehydration, and salt deficiency are malaise and vomiting with a fever between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. Heat stroke may result from the body's incapacity to regulate high temperatures.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature rises too high and cannot regulate itself. Core body temperature exceeds 40 Celsius and needs to be treated immediately.

Symptoms include:

Confusion
Convulsions
Dizziness
Disorientation
Fainting
Headaches
Hot dry skin
Unconsciousness

The treatment comprises rest in a tranquil environment, drinks, and electrolyte replenishment. When body temperature exceeds 37°C, confusion and, in rare situations, unconsciousness, a visit to A&E is required.

Continual Professional Development(CPD)

I strongly believe in Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Since starting L-W-O Community, I've attended many courses to enhance my knowledge and skills, ensuring that when I write or create graphics or short videos, they are supported not only by my own experience with lymphoedema, but also by the lessons I've learnt from the courses I've taken.

CPD Certificate: How to stay safe and healthy during a heat wave.

Page first created 22/05/2020

Last update 07/08/2023