Why Summer Can Cause More Lymphedema Flare-Ups
Summer in Central Florida can be beautiful, but it can also be challenging for people living with lymphedema. Warmer weather, high humidity, travel, sun exposure, and changes in daily routines can all make swelling feel worse.
If you have lymphedema, you may notice more heaviness, tightness, aching, or discomfort during the summer months. Your arm, leg, hand, foot, or other affected area may feel fuller than usual. You may also feel like your compression garments are harder to tolerate when it is hot outside.
You are not alone. Many people with lymphedema experience more flare-ups in the summer.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling that happens when the lymphatic system has trouble moving fluid through the body. The lymphatic system helps drain extra fluid from the tissues and supports the immune system.
When this system is not working as well as it should, fluid can build up. This may lead to swelling, pressure, skin tightness, heaviness, and discomfort. Lymphedema can happen after surgery, cancer treatment, injury, infection, or other medical conditions. It can affect different areas of the body, but it is most common in the arms and legs.
Why Heat Can Make Lymphedema Worse
Heat is one of the biggest reasons lymphedema symptoms may flare up in the summer.
When your body gets warm, your blood vessels naturally expand. This helps your body cool itself down. However, it can also allow more fluid to move into the tissues. If your lymphatic system already has a hard time moving fluid, this extra demand may lead to more swelling.
That is why people with lymphedema may feel more tightness, heaviness, or fullness after spending time outside in the heat.
Humidity Can Add to the Problem
In Central Florida, summer heat often comes with high humidity. Humidity can make it harder for your body to cool down. When your body stays warm for longer periods, swelling may become more noticeable.
You may also feel more tired, uncomfortable, or sensitive in the affected area. For some people, even short periods outside can make their lymphedema symptoms feel worse.
Summer Activities Can Increase Skin Irritation
Summer often means more outdoor activity. Gardening, swimming, beach trips, walking, sports, and travel can all be great ways to stay active. But they can also increase the risk of skin irritation.
Bug bites, sunburn, cuts, scrapes, and blisters can be more common in the summer. For someone with lymphedema, skin care is very important. The affected area may be more sensitive and may have a higher risk of infection.
Simple skin protection can make a big difference. Wearing sunscreen, using bug protection, choosing supportive shoes, and keeping the skin clean and moisturized can help reduce irritation.
Travel Can Trigger More Swelling
Summer is also a popular time for travel. Long car rides and flights can make lymphedema symptoms worse because sitting for a long time can slow normal fluid movement.
Travel can also change your routine. You may forget compression garments, skip movement breaks, drink less water, or spend more time in the heat than usual. These small changes can add up and cause a lymphedema flare-up.
Planning ahead can help. Pack your compression garments, stay hydrated, take movement breaks when possible, and avoid long periods of sitting without changing position.
Compression May Feel Harder in the Summer
Many people with lymphedema use compression garments to help manage swelling. During the summer, these garments may feel hotter or less comfortable.
Even though compression can feel more difficult in warm weather, it is still an important part of many lymphedema care plans. If your garment feels uncomfortable, does not fit well, or feels harder to wear, talk with a trained professional. You may need guidance on fit, fabric, timing, or other options.
Do not stop using compression without speaking to your healthcare provider or lymphedema therapist.
How Physical Therapy Can Help With Lymphedema
Physical therapy can play an important role in lymphedema management. At Hohman Rehab, our licensed therapists provide personalized, one-on-one care to help patients better understand their swelling and learn safe ways to manage symptoms.
Lymphedema therapy may include education, skin care guidance, compression support, gentle movement, manual techniques, and strategies to help reduce flare-ups. Your therapist will evaluate your needs and create a personalized care plan based on your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
The goal is to help you move better, feel more comfortable, and stay as active as possible.
Enjoy Summer With Better Support
Lymphedema can be frustrating, especially when symptoms flare up during the summer. But with the right support, you can take steps to manage swelling and feel more confident.
If you notice more swelling, heaviness, or discomfort during hot weather, Hohman Rehab can help. Our team focuses on finding the root cause of your concerns and supporting your body through natural, non-invasive care.
We are here to help you on your path to wellness so you can stay active and enjoy life with less discomfort.
To schedule an appointment, visit Hohman Rehab online or call one of our Central Florida locations.
Written By:
Dr. Katie Hohman, PT, DPT, CLT
Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Founder