Is a congenital failure of the lymph vessel system. It can consist of the following troubles :
- too few or no lymph vessels
- too few or too small lymph nodes
- lymph vessels or lymph nodes not properly working
Or a combination of these problems
These weaknesses of the lymphatic system are invisible for many years, because this system can rely on considerable reserves. This is the case until the whole system one day becomes surcharged, for instance following a sunburn. As one says, it’s the last straw that breaks the camel's back. And lymphedema develops itself. Please read our « Directives for lymphedema patients ».
Primary lymphedema begins mostly distally (toes, less often hands). But it can also develop on any body part. Apart from swelling, a further manifestation typical to lymphedema is a modification in skin texture.
For instance :
- The skin in the edematous region becomes thicker and rougher. If this change occurs in the joint of the second toe, one speaks of a positive "Stemmer" sign
- wart-like growth (papillomatosis)
aggravated calluses (hyperkeratosis)
These changes will increase with the duration and severity of edema.
In that sense, the treatment goal should always be to treat the edema as early as possible in order to prevent these changes from occurring, as they are partially irreversible.
Lymphedema is a chronic disease and it is impossible for the time being to heal it, but it reacts well to therapy.
The standard therapy is the Manual Lymph Drainage with compression. The intensity of the Manual Lymph Drainage goes by the magnitude and development of edema. Therapeutical success depends on the onset of therapy and, last but not least, on the compliance of the patient.