Moisturiser moisturiser

[Loramay]

I know we have to moisturise but why nobody ever told me why just do it

[AuntyJane]

Moisturizing is very important to keep skin from becoming dry and possibly tearing. I found out when I got cellulitis (multiple times) in my lymphedema arm that even tiny microscopic tears in the skin can allow bacteria to get in and result in cellulitis infection. Even normal skin bacteria can result in infection. Since the lymph system is compromised with lymphedema, it is hard for body to fight it off. I had to take strong antibiotics during my recurring episodes and once was hospitalized for 3 days with stronger IV antibiotics. My lymphedema therapist recommends Eucerin lotion (red top) and especially important to moisturize after bathing.

[Lynora]

Auntie Jane says it all - moisturiser helps to preserve the ‘skin integrity’.

[Anne16]

I endorse everything already said. I shower every day which keeps the skin clean, and especially during hot weather when perspiration salts affect my skin quite badly. Then I moisturise thoroughly - from toes to top of thighs - with DoubleBase Gel, either as it is or sometimes I add a few drops of lavender oil or francinsence, or rose, which also helps. During hot weather I wash my legs during the day with just plain ice cold water using a muslin cloth, then moisturise again. Admittedly I have been hospitalised with cellulitis, but not for many years now and certainly not since following the above routine. Take care.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

A great video explaining it here.

youtube.com/watch?v=bQnP3Uo...(Not working as expected?)

[Perido in reply to LymphSuppNetwork]

Maybe it's me but I've tried a couple of times to play the video but it just says 'An error occurrred.......'

[Anne16 in reply to Perido]

Me too showing error

[wfaf in reply to Anne16]

Me too no luck with vidio

[Perido]

I have a very good leaflet about skin care from the Lymphoedema Support Network. To quote from this leaflet:

'Even if the skin looks in good condition, any undetected slight area of dryness means the skin is not completely intact, therefore providing an entry point for bacteria which can result in an infection'

The leaflet recommends moisturising every night. I use Aveeno cream with special attention to the areas of my feet which are prone to cracking.

Take care

[GabbiD]

I am bad about this. I shower in the morning and I was told not to put lotion on before donning my compression socks. So I don't moisturize after my shower and often forget to do it before bed. I appreciate hearing the importance of it. Maybe I can change my routine so I can moisturize daily.

[Lynora in reply to GabbiD]

Bedtime is best. Cream can affect the material of compression garments, and can induce folliculitis, which is why we usually advise using cram at bedtime. You don’t need to shower first, unless you are really grubby!

[Loramay]

I have always moisturized every where before bed even before I was told I had lymphoedema and never actually told too maybe because they had already found out questioning me ..But now after having had leg ulcers covering 3/4 f my lower right leg from a case of cellulitis caused by a podiatrist digging out pus from one of my toes as it was quicker than antibiotics I hadn't been able to walk properly and in a lot of pain, I just want the quickest way and didn't know I shouldn't 2 years later and 19 weeks in hospital because I needed antibiotics 6 times a day as with that many ways of entry cellulitis had a field day and I am finally healed its only been 1 month but I moisturize my lower leg in the morning before i put my wraps on and my foot at night with Avon body butter nice smelly one

[Perido]

Hi Loramay

My LSN leaflet says 'perfumed products are not advised over the swollen limb/adjacent trunk because of the risk of skin sensitisation, which may lead inflammation and infection'. Sorry, I feel like a party pooper saying that; I reserve nice smellies for the parts of my body not affected by LE.

I'm sorry you've had a time of it with cellulitis but thankyou for sharing your experience; I'll be cautious around podiatrists.

[Lynora in reply to Perido]

The info is right. Lymphatics absorb perfume molecules, and if the system is knackered in that area, infection can happen. Basic moisturiser in affected parts, posh stuff everywhere else!

[MabelCuthbert]

Try this link for the LSN’s Skincare video youtu.be/bQnP3UoDFpY(Not working as expected?)

[nttsue]

I know we have to moisturize - but I hate it ., I hate the feel of cream on my skin .. And I hate the idea of the cream getting on my sheets, if I do it at bedtime ..

As I can't do it myself, I get hubby to cream my feet & legs (from the knee downwards) - and then wait for it to go-in - which is does, eventually, but boy does it take it's time ...

Aveeno cream is the worst - that's still sticky 24 hours later !!! ..

I alternate between different creams & lotions - thinking this is the best way - any ideas on this ? .. I'm currently using a spray-on-oil ... Really messy to use, but my skin feels much better than when using a thick cream ..

As a teenager, my mother said I should cream my face at night - I tried it - but hated it, so have never done it again .. I'm now 75 & my face skin gets me compliments .. .. I don't use soap or shower gels on either my face or legs & feet .. My face gets the cold-water treatment several times a day, which I love ....

Anyone suggest a cream which might help me ? ..

[Perido in reply to nttsue]

I'm not aware it's recommended for lymphoedema skin but if it might be worth seeing how you get on with aloe vera gel. I only use it on the small area of my leg with is in contact all day with the glue I use to hold my stocking up. I find aloe vera gel goes on very easily and is non sticky to the touch after about a minute - a little goes a long way. Personally I wouldn't use it instead of moisturisers, such as Aveeno, for the general care of my lymphoedema but something is better than nothing. Maybe use lotions/creams and aloe vera gel on alternate days so your routine becomes less of an ordeal for you. If you do try aloe vera gel I suggest looking out for good quality one which uses certified aloe vera and check what other ingredients had been added.

I also occasionally use a dry oil Spray called Skin So Soft from Avon partly because it's reputed to be an insect repellent. Again I'm not aware it's recommended for lymphoedema skin but I find it very pleasant to use - again a little goes a long way. I only really use it if I'm likely to get bitten by midges and only on the top of my lymphoedema leg which is not covered by my stocking. I spray small amounts close to the skin and cup my hand round where the spray is directed then rub it in - in that way it's not so messy. I also use the oil on the normal parts of my body so hopefully I become generally less attractive to midges thus hopefully reducing the risk to my lymphoedema leg.

[nttsue in reply to Perido]

Thanks Perido .. I have used Aloe Vera, but not as a moisturiser ... It's in Hand Sanitizers & also some Anti Sun products (Banana Brand being one) ..

The spray oil I'm using at present is the only you mention - Skin So Soft from Avon .. I'm using the Pink one & I think the Repellent one is Turquoise - which I use when outside in the country - as midges always make a bee-line for me ..

I have Lymphoedema - but I also have Peripheral Neuropathy & General Nerve Pains from a damaged back .. Because of the PN, I can't wear Stockings; I tried once, but it was so very painful trying to get them on .. The hospital gave up on me & left me to it ..

Since then my feet have let me down & I've been suffering falls .. So now, I walk with a frame & use a scooter outdoors .. Not partiularly good for the Lympho - could do with more execise to deal with that - but I'm doing the best I can .. When the Pools are back open, I'll be the first in the water .. ..

Thanks again ..

Sue

[Perido in reply to nttsue]

Yes stockings can be challenging to get on at the best of times. Have you tried wraps at all to get some compression? I can't speak from experience but just thought they might be easier than stockings to get on.

Incidentally the aloe vera product I use is from Boots; I had a look around before selecting it - it has good ratings and I am quite happy with it:

boots.com/wellness/vitamins...

[nttsue in reply to Perido]

Thanks for the link - will certainly give it a go ..

[Cocohaslymph in reply to nttsue]

Hello, I don’t use cream on my skin. What I do is while taking a shower, I liberally apply caster oil. I rub it in all over, rinse with water and pat dry. I don’t use anything scented. The caster oil works great, it’s organic and inexpensive. Hope that helps. Also I found a great podcast called Lymp Logic.net. All about lymphedema and how to manage it.

[Loramay]

I use Avon skin so soft as well and I have easy wraps which are really easy to put as you have two ends which wrap over each other, no pulling on stockings. By the way skin so soft is on special offer in Avon current brochure at £3.50 if I remember right