Can I apply heat to swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes often cause pain, especially those in the lower jaw area of the neck, which often cause patients to have difficulty swallowing and pain when eating. At this time, hot compresses can also be used. Although it cannot be a complete cure, it can relieve the pain. Of course, if this kind of lymph node swelling occurs, anti-inflammatory treatment is also needed in time, and emphasis should be placed on regular routine in daily life.

What to do if your lymph nodes are swollen

After surgery, the first type of patients should avoid damaging the skin of the affected limb, do not give injections on the affected limb, and pay attention to skin cleanliness. In addition, patients with filariasis infection are also susceptible groups, and should seek medical attention immediately if edema is found. The second type of patients should actively treat the initial factors that lead to infection, such as tinea pedis, and enhance the body's resistance. If they find redness and fever on the skin or discomfort similar to a cold, they should immediately use antibiotics to control the development of inflammation in time. If they find swelling in the dorsum of the foot, they should pay attention to it and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Acute lymphedema is mainly treated with non-surgical methods.

(1) Postural drainage: The drooping state of the limb aggravates the retention of lymph fluid in the tissue space. Raising the affected limb 30 to 40 cm and utilizing gravity can promote lymph return and reduce edema. This method is not simple and effective, but the effect is not long-lasting, and the drooping edema of the affected limb worsens again. (2) In addition to postural drainage, apply pressure bandages with elastic stockings or elastic bandages when the affected limb is elevated to squeeze tissue gaps and assist lymphatic return. The elastic bandage should be of appropriate tightness. The intermittent pressor can also be used multiple times and for a long time, which has a certain effect on improving edema. (3) Limit sodium salt intake and use diuretics. In the acute phase, sodium chloride intake should be appropriately limited, generally 1 to 2 grams per day, to reduce tissue sodium and water retention. At the same time, use appropriate amounts of diuretics to speed up the excretion of water and sodium. You can use hydrochlorothiazide 3 times a day and take appropriate potassium supplements. Stop taking it after the condition stabilizes.

(4) To prevent infection, using antifungal ointments and powders and keeping the toes dry are the most effective ways to prevent and control fungal infections. Bacterial infections under the nail bed are also common. Nails should be trimmed frequently to remove dirt and reduce the number of bacterial invasion pathways. When streptococcal infection causes systemic symptoms, drugs such as penicillin should be used, combined with bed rest, to actively control the infection. In the late stage of lymphedema complicated by skin cracks, ointment can be applied externally to protect and lubricate the skin.

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