Clear fluid leaking through swollen skin—lymphorrhea—needs absorbent wound care, protection of surrounding skin, and clinician-guided swelling control. The cause and arterial circulation should be assessed before compression. Fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, shortness of breath, or sudden one-sided swelling requires urgent care.
Gently cleanse, pat dry, apply a clinician-recommended barrier to intact surrounding skin, and use a nonadherent absorbent dressing. Change saturated dressings before fluid sits against skin. Avoid adhesive directly on fragile areas, peroxide, and improvised tight plastic wrapping.
Treatment may combine appropriately selected compression, elevation, exercise, skin care, and specialist lymphedema therapy. Compression often reduces leakage, but arterial circulation, heart status, neuropathy, limb shape, and possible clot must be considered before choosing its type and strength.
Lymphedema can follow lymph-node treatment, chronic venous disease, obesity, immobility, trauma, or infection. Clinicians may evaluate veins, arteries, heart and kidney function, medicines, nutrition, and mobility. Long-term edema control and properly fitted garments help prevent recurrent skin splits after closure.
Lymphedema increases cellulitis risk. Seek same-day care for new warmth, tenderness, rapidly spreading redness, fever, chills, or pus. Call 911 for confusion, breathing difficulty, chest pain, faintness, severe illness, or a suddenly cold or discolored foot.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.