Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a type of long-term swelling that lasts for more than three months. It can occur in any part of the body but is most common in the arms or legs.

If you have lymphoedema, you are at higher risk of cellulitis. Cellulitis is a skin infection that needs urgent treatment.

The signs and symptoms of cellulitis are:

• redness or a rash on the skin
• an area that feels hotter than the opposite side
• tenderness or pain
• a sudden increase in swelling
• feeling generally unwell, like flu symptoms
• feeling sick or vomiting.

If you think you have cellulitis, it is especially important that you seek medical help immediately from your GP. If you notice these symptoms out of hours, contact your out of hours GP service.

It is important to act quickly to prevent the infection from getting any worse, and to prevent further damage to your skin.