My skin is weeping, what do I do?
Lymphatic fluid may seep through the skin if the lymphatic system is overloaded or blocked. This is called weeping lymphedema, wet legs, or lymphorrhea.
The first appearance of weeping lymphedema may be frightening. If weeping lymphedema develops in an area that has not had weeping in the past, notify your medical care provider and contact your lymphedema therapist for care instructions.
Weeping lymphedema can result from a variety of conditions including lymphatic system blockage or damage, liver disease, heart failure, protein-calorie malnutrition, etc. Treatment for weeping lymphedema involves specialized skin care while identifying and treating the underlying medical condition.
Weeping lymphedema causes multiple tiny openings in the skin and the affected area is treated like an open wound even though there is no bleeding. Follow the instructions provided by the lymphedema therapist and care provider for wound care and infection control.
Typically, weeping lymphedema is treated by compression bandaging using gauze, ABD pads (also known as abdominal pads or absorbent wound dressing pads), feminine napkins, or diapers under the bandages to absorb the moisture.
Use clean wound care techniques to minimize the risk of infection:
Wash your hands with soap before working with the wound.
Wear clean disposable medical gloves when touching affected areas.
Remove old wound dressing materials, double bag and seal the soiled dressings for disposal.
Clean the weeping area as directed.
Apply wound dressings directly from the package to the skin without letting dressings contact any unclean surface. Discard any contaminated dressings.
Wash your hand with soap again after working with a wound.
Depending on the amount of fluid produced, padding and bandages may have to be changed several times a day. Weeping typically responds quickly to compression bandaging and dries up within 7-10 days. Consult the patient’s medical care provider and therapist if the condition does not respond to treatment as expected.
Monitor the area for signs of possible infection and notify the patient’s medical care provider and therapist if they appear. Signs specific to weeping include a significant increase in the amount of weeping, a change in the color of the fluid, an unpleasant odor, or increased pain and tenderness of the weeping area. Signs of systemic infection include aching joints, flu-like symptoms, fever, and chills.
If the affected area includes a limb, elevating the extremity higher than the heart, if possible, will facilitate drainage of excess fluid.
Portions adapted from Lymphedema Caregivers Guide, Lymph Notes, 2009, by permission of the publisher.
Author: Chuck Ehrlich
Reviewers: Steven Dean, DO, Marti Klein, Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT, Nicholas Pennings, DO.
Review dates: 2022-11