How To Effectively Treat Lymphedema

Only Bathe In Lukewarm Water

Lymphedema patients are advised to only bathe in lukewarm water. Most individuals bathe in hot water, but those with lymphedema should stay out of hot water, as water warmer than warm room-temperature causes vasodilation. While an induced expansion of the blood vessels is harmless to most individuals, it is quite harmful to those with lymphedema. When blood vessels in the affected limbs expand, more fluid is able to mobilize out of the blood vessels and into the other body tissues. When the fluid moves out of the blood vessels, there is no satisfactory lymphatic system mechanism of reabsorption and recycling of the fluid, so it accumulates in the tissues. This increased accumulation results in compounded swelling in the affected limb when it is exposed to hot water. The typical baseline recommendation lymphedema patients should adhere to is to avoid any water with a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and bathe in lukewarm water for no longer than fifteen minutes at a time.