Fluid coming out of lymph hand on top

kayezzy66

lymphedema

kayezzy66

Hit my hand yesterday on my lymph hand,noticed that water was on my hand ,and couldn't figure out where it was coming from.Told my daughter,and she thought I was crazy.Come to find out ,I'm ok,but I have a small spot on top of my hand with fluid coming out.Has anyone ever experienced this..

Binney4

kayezzy, it sounds like your lymphedema may not be in control in your hand. Have you done the lymphedema therapy with a well-trained PT or OT? There's so much involved in lymphedema self-care, and sometimes we just lose control of it and have to work at getting it back into shape again. (Sigh!) When swelling is not being controlled one of the problems is that lymph fluid can build up and begin to "leak" though the skin (especially if you whacked your hand and injured it). This fluid is caustic and can cause skin breakdown, so do keep your hand as clean and dry as you can.

The other danger you need to be aware of is that any break in the skin, no matter how "minor," can allow bacteria to enter. Because stagnant lymph fluid is warm and protein-rich, bacteria multiply quickly once they're in the area, resulting in a serious and rapidly-spreading infection called cellulitis, which needs immediate attention--Urgent Care or ER if your doc is not available. Here's more information about what to watch out for:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med...

Do keep a careful eye on this and get help right away if you suspect infection. And maybe a "refresher course" with a well-qualified lymphedema therapist would be a good idea in the near future. This rotten condition is for life, and we need to encourage one another to keep up with the (boring! annoying!) self-care in order to stay ahead of it.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing. Gentle hugs,
Binney