The powder can be used under a compression garment, during the massage of C.P.T. and on venous ulcers. The ointment can be used on any 'dry' areas during C.P.T., etc., but the powder is better for moist areas and under garments. They are applied twice a day if possible. They only remove water, yet lymphoedema is caused by excess protein in the tissues, which retains the water. Diuretics concentrate protein in the tissues and increase its deleterious effects.
Diuretics have many bad long term side-effects.
During this time, there is an immediate worsening of the lymphoedema. This is why diuretics are thought to help in lymphoedema. These are an essential part of C.P.T., however they are sometimes used alone. The use of compression garments, by themselves, is simply a 'holding operation'. Alone, they will not reduce lymphoedema.