Does anyone else have itchiness/rash after wrapping?

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cathy1968
cathy1968 Member Posts: 50
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi - Any suggestions on helping an itchy rash I have developed on my inner elbow and inner upper arm since starting wrapping?

I have just recently started managing my LE with an excellent therapist who works out of a cancer hospital.  I am wrapping daily in the typical way I think (easifix on my fingers and hand, then foam up to my shoulder, then the short stretch bandages on my hand, then arm).  My therapist warned that some people find irritation in the inner elbow as a result of the foam.  When this happened to me I told her on my next visit three days later and she gave me a soft sleeve to wear under the foam.  This didn't seem to make a difference.  Now (two days later) the rash seems to be worse and does not to go away by morning (I am not yet wrapping at night) and is very itchy.  Any suggestions on helping this itching/rash?  (I see my therapist again in another 5 days, although I will phone this afternoon when she is in the office but any advice in the mean time would be very much appreciated!)

Thanks! 

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited April 2012

    Cathy, you don't want a rash! Not good.

    Some thoughts: are you using stockinette under the wrap? My therapist uses an all cotton one. I would never directly put the foam on my skin.

    Also, are you using a lotion? Some have fragrances in them.

    For now, I'd advise you call your LE therapist, and consider some OTC cream, like Aveeno anti-itch.

    Here is a link to the SUSO page for therapy, and there's a booklet on wrapping, where they use artiflex instead of foam, but definitely there should be a layer of stockinette to protect your skin.

    Some people put corn starch in the elbow creases.

    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/treatments_for_lymphedema.htm

    Please let us know how you're doing.

    Kira

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  • cathy1968
    cathy1968 Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2012

    Thank you Kira!  Yes I do wear the stockinette so I'm hoping that helps.  My therapist got back to me as well and I got a chance to see my family doctor in the evening.  Both said it is most likely a superficial reaction to the wrapping, not a more serious infection (phew!).  I have a very gentle anti-ich cream that the doctor gave me which helped a lot.  As per my therapist I took a break from wrapping yesterday but the rash is almost completely gone and so i am all bundled up now and so far am feeling fine.  Also took a look at the step up website (it's great) and found a telephone support line at lymphontario.ca and spoke to a wonderful survivor there.  Thanks again - when we look for it the support is there and it is all so helpful!  I have to run now but as soon as I get the chance I will post some of the info and support contacts I have come across!

    Cathy.

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  • my2boys
    my2boys Member Posts: 339
    edited April 2012

    Hi Cathy,

    I know this may sound silly, but my LE Therapist uses diaper cream when she wraps me.  The same kind that I used on my kids when they were babies.  It really helps the redness and itching.

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  • cathy1968
    cathy1968 Member Posts: 50
    edited April 2012

    Hi my2boys - I think diaper cream sounds like a great idea!  My daughter has only been out of diapers for about a year so I think I still have an un-opened tube lying around somewhere. Thanks!  Now if I could only get the hang of typing with my hand wrapped...oh well, keeps things from getting boring!

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