Critical examination of skin care self-management in lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a long-term chronic condition that results from lymphatic insufficiency and may cause skin changes, which can cause discomfort and impact patient' quality of life. The four cornerstones of lymphoedema management are exercise, lymphatic massage, compression and skin care. This article critically examines self-management in lymphoedema focusing on skin care. Patients may initially demonstrate enthusiasm to undertake the required skin care independently. However, psychosocial factors, such as financial burden and physical restraints, can affect motivation and behaviours over time. A patient's knowledge of the importance of skin care self-management should not be limited to the initial assessment, but should be continually assessed throughout their lymphoedema journey. The ongoing provision of patient-centred care may have psychological and behavioural benefits and help optimise skin care self-management.

Evaluation of a novel night-time compression garment: a prospective observational study

This prospective, single-centre, observational study set out to evaluate the clinical performance and safety of JOBST Relax®, a custom-made compression garment, when worn by a series of patients with lymphoedema during resting hours and at night. Patients were recruited after undergoing complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and wore the night-time compression garment for 21 days as part of their compression therapy regimen. Questionnaires were used to capture their views on parameters such as the garment's comfort, ease of use, fit, ability to avoid excessive heat and perspiration, its effect on their quality of life and their overall satisfaction with it. Occurrences of erythema, skin rash, skin dryness and pain were also evaluated. Ninety-one patients completed the study. Most perceived the night-time compression garment to be 'very good' or 'good' in terms of its ease of use and comfort, its ability to control their oedema and its effect on their quality of sleep. The prevalence of erythema, skin rash, skin dryness and pain was reduced when compared with baseline. Patients also reported that the night-time garment reduced their dependence on others and improved their quality of life. Overall, most rated their satisfaction with the garment as 'very good' or 'good'. Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with both the garment and the comfort associated with it when wearing it frequently.

Lymphoedema management at night: views from patients across five countries

The aim of this study was to gain a comprehensive insight into the use of night-time compression in the management of lymphoedema in patients who had been suffering from chronic lymphoedema for over 12 months. Data were collected and analysed from 94 patients, across five countries. Understanding user characteristics provided insight and understanding into how night-time compression regimens were initiated, products were used and benefits to the patient were reported. In addition to gaining an insight into user habits and night-time compression benefits, unmet needs were also identified. Positive outcomes from the use of night-time compression were reported, with all patients identifying benefits of using night-time compression. An increase in swelling was documented in 89% of all patients in this study group when night-time compression was not used. The study provided an opportunity to explore how lymphoedema affects patients, and how night-time compression can form part of a beneficial regime.