09/28/2026
Seasons change. Does your lymphedema change with them? 🍂❄️🌸☀️
Many people notice their swelling shifts with the weather. Everyone is different, but here are some common seasonal things to keep in mind:
☀️ Summer: heat and humidity
Heat can make swelling worse, so plan outings for cooler parts of the day.
Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Breathable fabrics and cooling breaks help with compression comfort.
Protect your skin from sunburn and bug bites, since both raise infection risk.
🍂 Fall: the transition
Many people get some relief as humidity drops, but swelling rarely disappears completely.
Don't drop your routine just because things feel better.
It's a good time to get remeasured, since your limb may have changed over the summer.
Check that your garments still fit well and aren't worn out.
❄️ Winter: cold and dry
Dry indoor heat can crack skin, so keep up with moisturizing.
Many of us move less when it's cold. Indoor movement, ankle pumps, and gentle exercise still count.
Watch for tight boots, socks, and layers that add pressure.
Avoid sitting right next to heaters, and be careful with heating pads on affected limbs.
🌸 Spring: warming up again
Swelling may creep back as the weather warms, so this is a good time to reassess your garments and routine.
Ease back into outdoor activity gradually.
Watch for allergies and insect bites, and treat skin breaks promptly.
Year-round: keep a simple swelling log. Noting how your limbs feel month to month helps you and your CLT spot patterns and adjust before problems build.
Every body responds differently, so check with your CLT about whether your garments, schedule, or routine need adjusting as the seasons change.
We'd love to hear from you: what's your toughest season, and what helps you get through it? 💛
