2. What kind of treatment is available for my child?
Short answer
For children
There isn't just one treatment — doctors mix a few things together, like wearing compression, moving your body, looking after your skin, and learning about your condition, to help you feel your best.
For parents & caregivers
There's no single treatment for lymphoedema. The best results come from combining compression, exercise, skin care, education and regular follow-up in a personalised, long-term plan.
There isn't just one treatment — doctors mix a few things together, like wearing compression, moving your body, looking after your skin, and learning about your condition, to help you feel your best.
For parents & caregivers
There's no single treatment for lymphoedema. The best results come from combining compression, exercise, skin care, education and regular follow-up in a personalised, long-term plan.
Learn more ›
Although primary lymphoedema cannot currently be cured, it can usually be managed very successfully. The aim isn't simply to reduce swelling, but to help your child grow, play, attend school and enjoy everyday life, while preventing complications such as infections and skin changes.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual child, since lymphoedema varies greatly in severity, age of onset and the parts of the body involved. Most children are treated using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which combines several approaches: compression garments or bandaging when appropriate; regular physical activity; meticulous skin and nail care; education for children and families; self-management strategies; manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in selected situations; and regular follow-up to adjust treatment as your child grows.
The balance between these changes over time — some children need only simple measures and monitoring, while others need more intensive treatment during growth spurts or flare-ups.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual child, since lymphoedema varies greatly in severity, age of onset and the parts of the body involved. Most children are treated using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which combines several approaches: compression garments or bandaging when appropriate; regular physical activity; meticulous skin and nail care; education for children and families; self-management strategies; manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in selected situations; and regular follow-up to adjust treatment as your child grows.
The balance between these changes over time — some children need only simple measures and monitoring, while others need more intensive treatment during growth spurts or flare-ups.