In this enlightening episode, the hosts engage in a rigorous exploration of the intricate interplay between lymphoedema and wound care management. They articulate the crucial role that an understanding of lymphatic health plays in the healing processes of various wounds, particularly in patients presenting with chronic conditions. The dialogue transitions fluidly through their personal clinical experiences, emphasising the need for clinicians to adopt a holistic view of patient care - wherein the assessment and management of swelling take precedence over the mere treatment of visible wounds. The hosts advocate for a paradigm shift in clinical practice, suggesting that clinicians should first interrogate the causes of swelling before attending to the wounds themselves.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Wound consultancy though the eyes of an accredited lymphoedema practitioner
01:55 Swelling the inflammatory soup
02:50 Wounds, lower priority than managing chronic oedema
03:30 The acetic acid, chronic oedema/lymphoedema and pseudomonas conundrum
06:40 Unwounding yourself
09:24 Exudate v lymphorrhoea
10:15 Understanding the overlap of wounds and lymphoedema
12:09 The importance of understanding lymphoedema management in wound management
13:21 Moving the big paradigm ship around (link to Wounds Australia, Australasian Lymphology Association, Beat the Swell, Australasian College of Phlebology, Roelene Faihst, Matt Cash)
17:12 Howler to industry. Is it lymphorrhoea?
19:20 Marketing dressings for lymphorrhoea handling, not just exudate
19:47 When the lymphatics are excluded in wound research
22:14 Why aren’t wound clinicians attending phlebology conferences?
23:58 The emotional lability of wound consultants who understand lymphoedema
31:01 Shout out Matt Cash from Lily Clinic
32:20 More clinicians are talking about lymphoedema
32:42 Don’t forget to refer on to a lymphoedema practitioner
34:00 Call to action for managers to support accredited lymphoedema education
Resources mentioned:
- Matt Cash – Lily Clinic, Virginia Lily Clinic - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LilyClinicforlymph
- Roelene Faihst – Durbanville MediClinic, Cape Town https://www.instagram.com/lymph_draining_plus/
- Australasian Lymphology Association https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/education-&-resources/lymphoedema-training-courses/
- Beat The Swell https://www.beat-the-swell.org/
- Wound Australia https://woundsaustralia.org/
- Therapeutic wound and skin cleansing: Clinical evidence and recommendations https://woundsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IWII_2025_Wound-cleansing-web-3.pdf
- The Australasian College of Phlebology https://www.phlebology.com.au/
- Australasian Lymphology Association socials https://www.facebook.com/ALAlymphoedema#
Endnotes
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The Two Echidnae Podcast is part of Advancing Wound Care, our online education platform for clinicians. Reach out to us on our other Advancing Wound Care Socials, where you’ll also find hints, tips and resources.
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The views expressed in this podcast are our own and is intended specifically for healthcare professionals. Always follow your organisation's policies and procedures or refer to your healthcare provider for individual wound advice.