Lipoedema skin care

Skin care for lipoedema helps to recover your skin from compression therapy and to protect it from infections. The aim of skin care for lipoedema is to keep your skin intact and maintain its protective layer.

Skin folds are very common with lipoedema. It’s particularly important to examine your skin folds carefully as these may develop friction or moisture-related damage and consequent infections with bacteria or fungi. Besides, wearing compression garments can stress your skin: it gets dry and prone to small skin injuries, such as scratches. This, in turn, increases the risk for bacteria or fungi to enter your skin that can cause infections.

• Wash your skin daily with mild soaps or skin cleansers that are moisturising, hypo-allergenic, and have a neutral to slightly acid pH balance (around pH 5).
• Dry your skin carefully, especially any skin folds.
• Apply emollients: They coat your skin with an oily layer that protects against water loss.
• Avoid scented products that often irritate the skin.
• Immediately disinfect and treat any cuts, scratches, or insect bites.
• Avoid unnecessary injuries to your affected limb, such as taking blood samples or injections.
• Pay attention to your nail care to prevent ingrown nails or dry skin around the nail bed.

When you suffer from lymphoedema in addition to lipoedema, it’s even more important to protect your skin, as there is an increased risk of cellulitis.

Keep in mind that it depends on your individual skin condition which skin care routine and product is best for you. Talking to your Healthcare Professional can help you to find the right product. In general, products that both moisturise your skin and maintain the protective layer of your skin are preferable.