Why Is Compression Hosiery Important?

Compression garments can help to:

• Reduce swelling.
• Prevent swelling from getting worse.
• Improve comfort.
• Support everyday activities.
• Help maintain the progress made during your treatment.

Wearing your garment regularly, as advised by your clinician, gives the best results.

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When Should I Contact the Lymphoedema Service?

Although most people adjust well to wearing compression hosiery, contact the service if you notice any of the following:

• Numbness, tingling or altered sensation in your fingers or toes.
• Your garment slips down your arm or leg.
• The garment feels too tight around your wrist, elbow, ankle or knee.
• Skin irritation such as redness, itching or a rash.
• Increased swelling in your hand, foot, fingers or toes.
• Ongoing difficulty putting your garment on or taking it off.

These problems do not always mean something is wrong, but they should be assessed to ensure your hosiery continues to fit and work correctly.

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How to Wear Your Compression Hosiery

To get the greatest benefit from your garment:

• Put your compression hosiery on each morning.
• Remove it each evening before going to bed.
• Smooth out any wrinkles or folds once it is on.
• Ensure the garment sits comfortably without rolling or bunching.

If you have been given an application aid, use it to help put on and remove your hosiery safely and correctly.

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Caring for Your Compression Garment

Looking after your hosiery will help it remain effective for longer.

We recommend that you:

• Wash your hosiery at least every two days.
• Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.
• Avoid using fabric conditioner.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not boil wash your garment.

Regular washing helps the fibres recover their compression and keeps the garment clean.

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Looking After Your Skin

Healthy skin is an important part of lymphoedema management.

To help protect your skin:

• Wash and dry your skin every day.
• Moisturise daily to keep your skin healthy.
• Check your skin for cuts, blisters or irritation.
• Avoid applying moisturiser or talcum powder immediately before putting on your compression garment.

Instead, shower or bathe in the evening after removing your hosiery, then apply your moisturiser before going to bed. This allows the cream to absorb properly before your garment is worn again.

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Tips for Comfortable Wear

It can take a little time to get used to wearing compression hosiery.

These simple tips may help:

• Put your garment on first thing in the morning when swelling is usually at its lowest.
• Remove jewellery that could catch the fabric.
• Keep fingernails and toenails smooth to avoid damaging the material.
• Replace your garment if it becomes damaged or no longer provides the correct level of support.
• Continue to stay active, as gentle movement works alongside compression to improve lymph flow.

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If You Have Any Concerns

If you experience any of the problems described above despite following the care advice, please contact the Lymphoedema Service.

One of the Lymphoedema Nurses will assess your concerns and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

Do not stop wearing your compression garment unless you have been advised to do so by a healthcare professional.

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Further Information

For advice about your compression hosiery or lymphoedema management, please contact the Lymphoedema Service.

Telephone: 01275 547573

Email: sirona.lymphoedemateam@nhs.net