WHAT IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE IMPACT OF NONTREATMENT OR UNDERTREATMENT IN LYMPHEDEMA? - LYMPHATIC VASCULAR DISEASE – Pediatric and Primary Lymphedema – Secondary Lymphedema – Lymphatic Filariasis & Podoconiosis – Best First Line Treatment – Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) - Disease of the Skin

Psychological stress factors in Lymphedema should be taken into consideration regarding the Quality of Life (QoL) indicators of individuals. Lymphedema is not in itself a psychopathology, nor does it predispose individuals to poor mental health. In many cases, the negative situation of non-treatment or under-treatment of lymphedema leads to increased disease progression and, contributes to the cycle of disability, disfigurement, social stigmatization, poverty, suffering, and thus, the associated burden on the physical, economic, social, and psychological well-being of individuals. Read more information about what is the best treatment for lymphedema HERE.

With regard to Lymphedema due to filariasis, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaire (LFSQQ), to assess the perceived Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of individuals after participation in lymphedema management, should include if patients have access to proper treatment, if patients are undertreated, and also if patients have access to wearable compression garments. Individuals that have access to antiseptic creams and antibiotic medication may notice improvement, but this should not be considered a real improvement in quality of life scores, because these solutions are not tackling the underlying lymphatic dysfunction problem, and in the long run, without compression therapy and garments, the condition will continue to get worse for the majority of patients, as well as the consequent multiple psycho-social problems. Read more about the signs, symptoms, and complications of lymphoedema HERE.

The imperative placed on some patients regarding acceptance and compliance with low-cost treatment options can be questionable at an ethical and "Human Rights" level, for these management options are in many cases ineffective in reducing and maintaining the edema volume, or they can even have serious long-term side effects, which may, in turn, be the cause of furthermore psychological stress and impaired "Health-Related Quality of Life (QoL)". Read more information about psychological aspects surrounding non-treatment or undertreatment of lymphedema HERE.

REFERENCES

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SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES

• GERMAN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY GUIDELINE: Diagnostics and Therapy of Lymphoedema.
• THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF LYMPHOLOGY: Consensus Document.
• PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF LYMPHEDEMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE
• LYMPHEDEMA IS A DISEASE OF THE SKIN

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LYMPHEDEMA INCIDENCE 
AND PREVALENCE
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