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L-W-O Community

For those living with Primary, Secondary & Paediatric Lymphoedema Online & in the Community

Lymphorrhoea

Pronunciation; lim-fo-re-a

Lymphorrhoea described as a 'leaking of fluid from the surface of the skin'.  The fluid is straw coloured.   This can be caused by a scratch or minor knock to the skin.  It is most likely associated with cancer related lymphoedema, but can happen to people with other forms of lymphoedema.

The most common place it is likely to appear is the legs.

  • Leg dependency (i.e. sleeping in an armchair or spending all day in a wheelchair)
  • Immobility (i.e. suddenly changing to being very sedentary where you were normally very active)
  • Not using compression garments or bandages if you need them
  • Changes in medical health such as breathing difficulties or cellulitis
  • Low protein levels (known as albumin)
  • Cancer (sometimes because of cancer progression, sometimes when the body is weakened by successful treatment)
  • Secondary to cellulitis

Source;

I was not very comfortable writing about  Lymphorrhoea but LSN have a good article written by Melanie McCann, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist on their website which was first published LymphLine Winter 2009 issue and reviewed and republished Spring 2014.  You can also contact LSN by telephone; 020 7351 4480 for information and support