Control of lymphorrhoea can realistically
only be achieved with the correct lymphoedema
treatment, which includes correct
bandaging and skincare. The use of
absorbent dressings removes moisture
from the wound/skin; dressings that contain
gel-forming agents that “lock” the
fluid away should also be considered
(Thomas, 2008). The fluid-handling capability
of these dressings, however, will not
solve the problem; practitioners should not
continuously add to the dressing to absorb
leakage, especially if there is a wound/ulcer.
It is vital that absorbent dressings are considered
as primary wound choice in cases
of lymphorrhoea and associated wounds
but their frequency of change should be
closely monitored. Good attention to skincare
should also be considered a benchmark
in these patients (Beldon, 2009).