Lymphedma is diagnosis of a specific type of swelling. The swelling is usually in one extremity, such as one arm or one leg and sometimes the stomach region. Fluid builds up in the soft tissue causing vulnerability to the skin (integumentary system), which can lead to an infection (Scheiman, 2020). Causes of lymphedema include: trauma to the lymphatic system or surgery, cancer, lymphatic system overload from a blockage or excessive weight.
Signs of lymphedema might include: consistent swelling that does not decrease after elevation, + Stemmer’s sign, swelling in toes and foot, orange peel look to the skin, hard and thick epidermis layer, lymph drainage dripping through skin, large and small pink bump clusters, excessive chronic swelling causing elephantiasis and hemosiderin skin staining (Scheiman, 2020). Lymphedema treatment includes manual lymphatic decompression therapy, wraps, intermittent pneumatic compression and other types of compression.
References
Lymphedema. (2019, January 22). MedlinePlus – Health Information from the National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/lymphedema.html
Scheiman, N. E. (2020, June 16). Edema Bootcamp [PDF]. www.summit-education.com