WoundSource Practice Accelerator: Lymphedema and Wound Care

WoundSource Practice Accelerator: Lymphedema and Wound Care

JUNE IS LYMPHEDEMA AND WOUND CARE MONTH As part of the WoundSource Practice Accelerator series, we are offering you this educational portal into a variety of topics related to lymphedema and wound management. Please scroll below to choose your learning experience and please share this page with your social network and colleagues. Expanded awareness leads to better prevention and care. WATCH VIDEO View this month’s educational resources. WEBINAR WHITE PAPER FACT SHEET QUIZ FEATURED ARTICLES ON-DEMAND WEBINAR In the Trenches with Lymphedema: Wound Care in Lymphedema Patients Janet Wolfson, PT, CLWT, CWS, CLT-LANA Working with lymphedema patients, indeed patients with any type of edema, can be very challenging for clinicians because of the diagnosis and population, as well as the need for lymphology training across the disciplines involved in the care plan. This webinar will differentiate types of edema, identify markers that should contraindicate or modify complex lymphatic therapy, and provide a path for the interdisciplinary team to safely navigate treatment for patients with lymphedema, including patients with wounds. REGISTER NOW DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE Lymphedema and Wound Management Differential Diagnosis Tool The differential diagnosis of lymphedema includes both primary and secondary lymphedema, as well as lipedema. Management of lymphedema consists of compression therapy, manual lymph drainage, and other measures to reduce fluid buildup in the extremities. It is crucial for health care providers to understand the causes and risks of lymphedema and to have ready access to evidence-based methods for lymphedema prevention, diagnosis, and management. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE Quick Facts - Lymphedema and Wound Care This two-page fact sheet was created to support staff education on the lymphatic system and lymphedema. The print-friendly format is perfect for posting on the bulletin board or distributing to your nursing staff at in-service. DOWNLOAD THE FACT SHEET How Much Do You Know About Lymphedema Diagnosis and Management? Take our 10-question quiz to find out! TAKE THE QUIZ Lymphedema and Wound Care: Important Terms to Know Cellulitis: A common bacterial skin infection that appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender; also known as lymphangitis. Treatment should begin promptly to avoid having the infection spread rapidly and become life-threatening. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT): The system of lymphedema treatment that includes manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression techniques, decongestive exercise, and self-care training. Congenital lymphedema: A form of primary lymphedema that is present from birth; also known as Milroy's disease or Nonne-Milroy disease. VIEW THE FULL GLOSSARY READ THIS MONTH'S FEATURED ARTICLES Wounds and the Lymphatic System The lymphatic system is an incredibly complex network of tissues and organs. Together, this network regulates fluid balance, transports fatty acids from the gastrointestinal tract, and contributes to... Read More Lymphedema: Skin and Wound Care Best Practices Lymphedema is defined as "an accumulation of lymph fluid in the soft tissues, most frequently in the arms or legs." It impacts approximately one in... Read More Managing Lymphedema: Essential Strategies for Wound Care Providers As health care professionals, we see patients with lymphedema every day. However, do we know how to manage lymphedema? Are we confident in... Read More Complications Associated with Lymphedema (and How to Prevent Them) Lymphedema is edema—swelling of tissues caused by fluid in the intracellular space—that is caused by dysfunction or disruption... Read More JUNE IS LYMPHEDEMA AND WOUND CARE MONTH Lymphedema and Wound Management Lymphedema effects 3-5 million individuals in the United States and, while there are treatment options, there is currently no cure. The lymphatic system uses lymphatic vessels to absorb, transfer and filter fluids and return them to general circulation. When the lymphatic system becomes obstructed or experiences a structural change, localized edema distal to the site of the structural deficiency develops. Wound care professionals encounter lymphedema every day. Watch this brief overview video to learn more about chronic wounds and the educational resources made available on lymphedema and wound management.

TIME for Patient-Centered Wound Care

Wound bed preparation is essential to patient-centered wound care. Early, appropriate, and aggressive interventions, including the TIME model of wound bed preparation, help facilitate the wound healing trajectory and avoid wound chronicity. Additionally, the five principles of wound care are useful for determining the most appropriate dressing choice for each category of wound. This in-depth and thoroughly referenced guide describes the components of the TIME (tissue, infection or inflammation, ...

Quick Facts - Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an open sore commonly found on the bottom of the foot in patients with diabetes. This wound is typically caused by a combination of poor vascularity, neuropathy, and repetitive trauma. DFUs are all too frequent complications of diabetes, and they impose a heavy burden on patients and health care systems. The central goals of DFU management are achieving wound healing, addressing risk factors, achieving adequate perfusion, controlling infection and glucose levels...

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Terms to Know: Lymphedema and Wound Care

By the WoundSource Editors Cellulitis: A common bacterial skin infection that appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender; also known as lymphangitis. Treatment should begin promptly to avoid having the infection spread rapidly and become life-threatening. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT): The system of lymphedema treatment that includes manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression techniques, decongestive exercise, and self-care training. Congenital lymphedema: A form of primary lymphedema that is present from birth; also known as Milroy's disease or Nonne-Milroy disease.