What on earth is happening to my hand? Lymphedema?

Posted by deanna1313 @deanna1313, Feb 28 3:57pm

I believe I have lymphedema in my left hand. At least that’s the only thing the doctors can come up with. It is so bizarre. My left hand has been swollen for the last 6-7 years. I do get the blister type eczema on that hand as well. Swelling gets worth when the eczema is flaring up. Also get an itchy rash half way up my arm sometimes as well. Anyone else experiencing something similar or am I alone? Help!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lymphedema Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 28 5:35pm

Welcome @deanna1313, I wonder if the symptoms you mentioned are associated or part of the Eczema on your hand. From what I've read swelling can be one of the symptoms of hand Eczema - https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-hands-feet. There does seem to be an association between lymphedema and hand eczema. Here's an article on the topic:
-- Chronic lymphoedema caused by recurrent infections in a patient with allergic hand eczema:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4211492/
While you wait for members to respond, you might find it helpful to scan through the member comments on hand eczema. Here's a search of Connect that with links to the different comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/

Have you thought about seeking help or a second opinion at a teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?

deanna1313 | @deanna1313 | Feb 28 7:38pm

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @deanna1313, I wonder if the symptoms you mentioned are associated or part of the Eczema..." + (show)

@johnbishop thank you for the information I will read those articles. The swelling first happened at my first eczema flare up and then just never went away. So it does seem to be related somehow. I have been to numerous doctors, naturopath and dermatologist and no one has a clear answer as to what is happening.