Lymphedema Hand And Arm Wrap Bandaging

Swelling in the arms and legs from a buildup of lymph fluid causes lymphedema. An occupational or physical therapist can be helpful. Wrapping the swollen area, using certain compression techniques, can also work to reduce swelling. 

Lymphedema Precautions

The following precautions are intended for the patient who is at risk of developing lymphedema, and for the patient who has developed lymphedema. These precautions are lifelong.

• Perform daily skin care. Keep skin clean, dry, and moisturized. Make sure skin is dry in creases and between fingers and toes.
• Avoid hot tubs and saunas which can increase swelling.
• Avoid or limit time in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
• Protect skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Avoid blood pressure checks, injections, IVs and vaccinations in the involved/at risk limb.
• Maintain good nail/cuticle care.
• Wear gloves when performing tasks that could cause skin injury such as gardening, handling chemicals.
• If you should get a scratch/puncture, immediately was skin with soap and water. Treat small cuts with an antibacterial ointment and observe the area for possible infection. Signs and symptoms of infection may vary with patients noting any of the following: redness/discoloration in the affected limb, increased swelling, increased warmth of skin, chills, fever or malaise.
• Wear compression during exercise.
• Wear compression during airplane flights or change in altitude.
• Do not wear tight, restrictive clothing or jewelry.
• Avoid heavy lifting with the involved arm.

Lymphedema Hand and Arm Wrap Bandaging Tips

1. Wash and dry the area. Apply lotion to the limb with low pH lotion such as Eucerin or Elta. Apply stockinette or tubular bandage to entire arm (as seen in the finger bandaging video).
2. Apply padding at the hand. Cut or tear a hole to accommodate the thumb and spiral wrap padding with a 50% overlap around hand, wrist, proceeding up the arm. Apply double padding for added protection to the inside of the elbow. Be sure to maintain a slight bend at the elbow while bandaging. If one padding bandage is not enough to cover the arm, use a second padding bandage.
3. Next you will apply the short stretch brown bandage. You will use various sizes.
4. First bandage - Begin with the smallest at the wrist. Use moderate tension covering all of the hand including the knuckles. You will use a number of layers applying bandages knuckles to wrist. Keep fingers opened and extended while wrapping the hand. You may have extra bandage left over. Continue with this up onto the forearm in a spiral fashion.
5. Second bandage - Use the next largest bandage in your kit. Begin at the wrist. Each individual turn overlaps the previous turn by approximately 50% in a spiral fashion covering the entire forearm.  
6. Third bandage - Use the next largest bandage in your kit. Begin in the reverse (opposite) direction on the lower forearm. Cover the forearm and elbow in a spiral fashion, keep moderate to strong tension on the bandage until you reach the armpit (axilla). Secure all bandages with tape.
7. Fourth (and last) bandage - Starts at your wrist and spiral to your under arm.