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Beachin' It

Being in a pool or the ocean can feel very freeing as a lymphedema patient; since water provides natural compression, no garments are needed. The problem, though, lies in the time spent out of the water. When spending several hours at the beach, any time spent out of compression can quickly catch up to you. To stay on top of swelling, it is important to continue wearing your garments.


For trips to the beach, I recommend wearing a toeless compression stocking if possible. This allows you to wear flip flops and roll up just the foot part if you want to feel the water without going all the way in. 


If you do go in the water, it is best to wait until the end of your trip to the beach, as it is extremely difficult to get back into compression afterwards, and it is important to limit the time out of it. 


Personally, I find that I have foot circulation problems and nerve pain when wearing purchased toeless compression stockings. However, I cut off the toe of an old stocking, and put clear nail polish on the end to prevent fraying, and that has worked-out much better for me. 


As mentioned in my “summer staples” post, wide-legged, flowy pants are a good choice for the beach if you want to hide your compression. If you are comfortable showing it, though, traditional cover-ups or shorts are good choices to keep cool. 


Although going to the beach or pool as a lymphedema patient is a little extra-challenging, it can definitely still be an enjoyable experience.




Picture from Summer 2018: Feeling the water with compression rolled up to my ankle

Picture from Summer 2018: Beach trip with loose-fitting beach pants and toeless compression garment

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