Lower Your Risk of

Lymphedema-Avoid Sunburns

By Wendy Evans, RN, MSN, AOCN

It's the end of summer. Can you still get a sunburn? Yes! If you are someone who likes to spend time outside in the sunlight hours, then don't forget to protect your skin all year round. This is especially important to the arm affected by breast cancer and its treatment. The reason is that a sunburn can cause swelling in your arm. This increased swelling is due to the acute inflammatory process caused by injury to your skin following excessive sun exposure. The resulting problem is extra fluid build-up in the arm that the body may not be able to handle because lymph nodes have been removed or scar tissue has formed which interferes with blood and lymph flow. As a result, the arm swelling may persist. In fact, a single incident such as a sunburn may be the defining occurrence when the arm first begins to show signs of lymphedema. If you are already experiencing some signs of lymphedema, a sunburn can make the condition even worse.

If you should get sunburned, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory effects (unless your doctor has indicated that you are not to take these). For this reason they are useful to relieve pain and swelling, especially when given soon after the sunburn. Cool soaks with water or Burow solution also provide temporary relief. An aloe vera moisturizer has healing properties as well.

Remember: Even with the best intentions and following these recommendations, you may not be able to prevent lymphedema, but you can certainly lower your risks.

Tips to avoid sunburn

  • Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply often. Sunscreen should be waterproof if you are swimming or perspiring heavily and should be applied often as well. Even waterproof sunscreen washes off!!
  • Limit overall exposure, especially during the hottest times of day between 10 AM - 2 PM.
  • Wear protective clothing of lightweight cotton and long sleeves.
  • Drink adequate amounts of water, 6-8 glasses per day.

 

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