How to Stop the Swelling of Hands With Cellulitis

Hand swelling often occurs with cellulitis of the arm or hand itself. This painful effect of the infection can inhibit mobility and impair the sense of touch. Though generally difficult to manage, there are several approaches that can be taken to aid in the lessening of localized swelling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check with your doctor about putting your afflicted arm in a sling to help alleviate the swelling in your hand. A sling can give support to the arm and keep it raised to a level that relieves swelling. Have the doctor instruct you on how to position the sling properly and give you directives concerning intervals of use.
2. Use manual elevation whenever possible to stop hands from swelling. When lying down you can place your afflicted arm atop a couple of pillows. Use arm rests when sitting rather than allowing your arms to hang down. Keeping your cellulitis-affected limbs elevated will help to reduce swelling by using the force of gravity to direct fluid back toward the heart rather than the limb.
3. Drink water and other diuretic-promoting fluids, such as green tea, to help rid your body of fluid. Ironically the ingestion of fluid promotes the release of it in the body. You should notice the reduction of swelling in your hand after this hydration therapy.
4. Use a washcloth soaked in cool water to help stop swelling of the hands due to cellulitis. Do not use any other cooling agents, such as aloe vera or alcohol, on the area of cellulitis without first consulting your physician, since their application may worsen your condition.
5. Rest your hands to help stop the swelling. Instead of flexing them and attempting such manipulative tasks as typing and writing, keep them relaxed and quiet for as long as possible. Also, avoid filing or cutting your fingernails while battling cellulitis.
6. Take your antibiotics as prescribed. The best way to rid yourself of the symptoms associated with cellulitis is to clear up the infection itself. Finish all the medicine. Try not to miss a dose even when you are feeling better and when the appearance of the cellulitis is diminished. Stopping a round of antibiotics prematurely can cause the infection to reoccur.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use compression or a compression device on the afflicted area to try to reduce swelling as this can worsen cellulitis.
• Do not try any method, aside from elevation, to treat the swelling associated with cellulitis without approval from your physician.