Heat rash and lymphedema - any connection?

mellee

I recently flew from LA to Hawaii and wore a Jobst sleeve and gauntlet for the first time during the flight with no problems. However, after wearing it for a much shorter (30-min) inter-island flight later in the week, I got what I believe was a heat rash. It was itchy and looked like tiny blisters all over my arm. I don't think my skin was reacting to anything in the Jobst sleeve (it's just nylon and I didn't have a problem on the first and much longer flight). But I've never gotten heat rash before.

Does anyone know if lymphedema comes with an increased risk for heat rash? Just trying to figure out what happened and what to do in the future when in tropical climates.

hugz4u

Welcome and so glad you were able to vaca. Feels good huh!

I've not heard of lymphedema being presented as a rash so this sounds like heat rash or maybe allergy to something you washed sleeve in or maybe allergy from material but it sounds like you were fine flying in the longer trip not getting rashed out.

If your sleeve is flat knit it will be extremely breathable but still hot in tropics. If circular knit it will be hot no matter where and not as breathable , and that could be why you have rash. Either way you can during hot spell spray with water to cool sleeve down. Just don’t soak it.

Sleeves offer no sun protection. That said my non sleeve arm is tanned more than sleeve arm but sleeve arm has light tan. But don’t be fooled you can burn just not as quick.

As long as it's cleared up you should be fine. If not see doc. As long as it's not spreading to a red infection no need to worry but if so then go to emerg and mention cellulitis a serious condition that can't be ignored even for a hour.

Get educated by visiting stepup-speakout.org the fantastic site our girls here made. Knowledge is power when dealing with anything related to lymphedema.

mellee

Thanks for the advice! Yes, I think it was just heat rash. I'll have to do a better job of keeping myself cool next time!