How to Manage
Lymphedema
in Your Arms and Hands
Typically, managing lymphedema using
compression requires a multi-step bandaging
process. You should use layers to protect your
skin, provide padding, and apply pressure.
Learn about the three steps in the bandaging process,
and find out about alternatives to this traditional method.
The 3-Step Bandaging Process
Step One:
Skin Protection
The first layer in multi-layer compression bandaging is meant to protect your skin.
The tg grip II Compression Stockinettes
provide an ideal base layer. It's also
important to wrap your fingers to reduce
or prevent swelling. Mollelast is a
breathable dressing that is perfect for
using around joints and fingers.


Step Two:
Padding
The second layer involves padding to
help distribute pressure, which helps
prevent any sore spots. Cellona Synthetic
Padding can be used under your final
layer of short-stretch bandages.


Step Three:
Short Stretch Bandaging
The final layer creates the pressure
and compression that helps reduce
your swelling. You'll need to apply
several layers of Rosidal K Short
Stretch Bandages to receive the
desired pressure. The bandages can
be washed or boiled and reused.


3 Alternatives
to Multi-Step Bandaging for Lymphedema
Skip Steps 1 and 2:
Use Caresia Garments
You could use a Caresia garment to replace the other layers of underpadding. This saves you time while applying compression bandaging. You can wear
the Caresia MCPs to Axilla garment
(covers shoulder to hand), the Caresia Glove, or both at once, depending on
your swelling.


All-in-one Alternative:
ReadyWrap Adjustable
ReadyWrap garments offer adjustable compression that can be used during all stages of lymphedema management.
The ReadyWrap Arm has a built-in liner.
A ReadyWrap Gauntlet is also available
for the hand. This alternative is faster
to put on compared to traditional
multi-step bandaging.


Maintenance:
Compression Sleeve
Exostrong Arm Sleeve and Glove
both offer 20-30 mmHg of compression.
This compression level
is helpful to prevent early stages
of lymphedema from worsening, or
for maintenance use after your swelling has decreased.

