Caring for Your Skin with Lymphedema: A Comprehensive Skincare Guide

Lymphedema is more than just swelling—it can significantly impact the skin’s health, integrity, and ability to protect the body. Because lymphedema involves the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissues, it places stress on the skin, leading to an increased risk of infection, irritation, and skin breakdown. This makes lymphedema skincare an essential component of effective lymphedema management.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or living with chronic lymphedema, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the best strategies, habits, and lymphoderm and lymphedema lotion products to keep your skin healthy and strong.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in fluid balance, immune defense, and toxin removal. When lymphatic flow is disrupted—due to cancer treatment, surgery, trauma, or congenital conditions—lymph fluid accumulates in the affected area. This buildup leads to swelling (edema), which stretches and weakens the surrounding skin.

• Dryness and flaking
• Brittleness and thinning
• Redness, irritation, or inflammation
• Thickened, fibrotic skin
• Risk of cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
• Fungal infections in skin folds

Without proper care, these changes can progress and make the skin more vulnerable to wounds, ulcers, and serious infections.

Skincare routines for lymphedema aim to:

• Maintain hydration and elasticity
• Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier
• Reduce risk of infection or injury
• Calm inflammation
• Improve comfort and quality of life

Consistent skin care is one of the four pillars of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), along with compression therapy, manual lymph drainage, and exercise.

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to wash the affected area daily. Avoid hot water, rough washcloths, and harsh soaps that can strip the skin of its protective oils.

Recommended product:

Lindi Skin Face Wash: Extremely gentle and designed for sensitive or radiation-affected skin.

Lock in hydration while the skin is still slightly damp. Apply a low-pH, non-irritating lymphedema lotion generously over the affected area.

Best Lymphedema Lotions Include:

Eucerin Advanced Repair: Contains ceramides and natural moisturizing factors for long-lasting hydration

Lymphoderm Lotion: Specially formulated with a low pH to protect against microbial growth and preserve skin moisture.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Great for sealing and soothing cracks or flaking skin

Check for signs of:

• Redness or increased warmth
• Cracks, blisters, or scratches
• Signs of infection (pus, odor, or swelling)

Use a hand mirror or ask a caregiver to help you inspect hard-to-see areas.

Any break in the skin can become a gateway for infection. Clean wounds gently with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile dressing. Seek medical attention for any signs of infection.

For those who have developed lymphedema following cancer treatment (e.g., breast cancer, melanoma, or gynecologic cancer), the skin may be especially fragile due to:

• Radiation-induced damage
• Surgical incisions
• Reduced immune response

Lindi Skin products are ideal for these patients. Originally designed for people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, their moisturizers, balms, and washes have been clinically shown to:

• Reduce dryness and dermatitis
• Calm radiation burns
• Enhance moisture retention

A 2010 study in Supportive Care in Cancer concluded that Lindi Skin users reported better tolerance, less irritation, and improved quality of life compared to other generic skincare products.

The evening is a great time to nurture and repair your skin after a day of wearing compression garments or wraps.

• Remove all compression garments before bed
• Clean and moisturize affected limbs
• Apply a thicker balm or emollient to nourish skin overnight

Many patients prefer rich lotions or ointments with ingredients like:

• Shea butter
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Glycerin
• Ceramides

For dry hands and feet, consider wearing cotton gloves or socks after applying lotion to enhance absorption.

Sunburn, excessive heat, and cold weather can all worsen lymphedema symptoms. Skin exposed to UV rays or temperature extremes becomes more vulnerable to inflammation, dryness, and infections.

• Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to exposed areas
• Wear UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• In cold climates, use thicker moisturizers and gloves

Visit LymphedemaProducts.com for a wide selection of lymphedema-specific skincare products including:

• Eucerin, Aquaphor, and Medline products

• Lymphoderm Products

• Lindi Skin

1. Cellulitis: A serious bacterial infection marked by redness, heat, and fever. Requires immediate antibiotics.
2. Fungal Infections: Often develop in skin folds. Look for redness, itching, or a foul odor.
3. Dry Cracked Skin: Can lead to open wounds. Treat with rich emollients and avoid hot showers.
4. Radiation Dermatitis: Common among cancer survivors. Use gentle products and avoid harsh soaps or exfoliants.

Lymphedema skincare is not just about comfort—it’s about protecting your body from complications and supporting your overall health. With the right routines and the use of high-quality products like Lymphoderm lotion, you can prevent dryness, irritation, and infection.

Whether you’re looking for gentle cleansers, moisturizing solutions, or protective treatments, building a skincare regimen that fits your needs is one of the best tools in your lymphedema care toolbox.

Visit LymphedemaProducts.com to explore clinically recommended skincare products, and learn more about skin health and lymphatic wellness at NortonSchool.com and the Norton School Blog.

• Lymphatic Education & Research Network – https://lymphaticnetwork.org/
• American Cancer Society – https://www.cancer.org/
• Supportive Care in Cancer, 2010 Study on Lindi Skin Products