faq

Find answers to your questions below or if you can't find the answer you are looking for here, please contact admin@thebls.com

How do I update or add my organisation's details to the member or corporate partner directory listing?

Each organisation can have one listing in either the Members Directory or Corporate Partner Directory (depending on your membership type). To set up or edit your directory listing, log in to your BLS account, then go to the black bar at the top of the screen, click on the downwards pointing arrow to the right of the bell, then select Manage Directory. From here you can input the information relating to your organisation, clicking Save when finished. To check that your listing has been correctly uploaded go to https://www.thebls.com/directories

How do I find details of lymphoedema services in my area?

Some of our members have listed details of the services they offer on our website https://www.thebls.com/directory . You could also try contacting the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) on 020 7351 4480 or admin@lsn.org.uk .

Where do we stand with the use of skin marker pens for multiple patients - what is considered current best practice in the light of COVID-19 service resumptions?

We do not have any accepted procedures for this, but having consulted some of our colleagues, below are some suggested options. Please ensure that these are appropriate in line with local guidance: If the skin is intact and cleaned, then the procedure is low risk for infection transmission. Ensure the skin is washed. The use of an eyeliner pencil would be better because it can be sharpened between each patient, and the sharpener washed after each use. If using a pen, then pen can be washed between each use using 70% alcohol spray or wipes, and then allowed to air dry. Alternatively, a patient could bring their own pen. All of this would be including existing procedures around PPE, gloves, cleaning and other infection control measures. We are currently working on some guidance for practitioners who are reopening clinics to patients and we will now add these measures to our recommendations.

How do I update my account details or communication preferences

To update your account details, log in to your BLS account at https://www.thebls.com/login , then go to the black bar at the top of the screen, click on the downwards pointing arrow to the right of the bell and select Manage Account or Manage Preferences. Ensure you click Save when you have finished updating the information.

COVID Vaccinations and Lymphoedema

The BLS supports the advice on the Lymphoedema Support Service (LSN) website https://www.lymphoedema.org/ provided by Professor Peter Mortimer, in relation to vaccinations for patients with Lymphoedema. The advice is updated regularly and our members and others enquiring on this matter are encouraged to check the advice on a regular basis.

Can I have blood taken from an arm with Lymphoedema?

The following advice is generic to all people who have been told they have a limb 'at risk' of Lymphoedema or already have Lymphoedema, as we are not able to comment on individual medical cases. This advice is the same as that of LSN and other international bodies such as ours. The advice is, that it is common sense to ask if the blood can be taken from the opposite arm to the risk arm where this is possible, but there are times when this is not possible or the medical risk of doing so is greater than the risk of Lymphoedema. The basis for this advice is that the evidence for needle stick/blood drawing actually causing or worsening Lymphoedema is weak.

Have there been any changes to prescription charges for hosiery in England? April 2021

As far as we are aware there have been no changes to how they are charged but sometimes the patient experiences a different charge if a change to the type of garment by the therapist has meant that the pharmacist has had to charge the patient differently, or the pharmacist has incorrectly applied the tariff. Currently, a pair of stockings are charged as a pair (one charge) if they are the same class size etc and under the Lymphoedema section of the tariff. But if one is a different class or colour or there is an addition to them like toe caps then they may become two items. 2 made to measure stockings of Lymphoedema (RAL etc) standard will come in 2 separate boxes but if they are identical in every way then they should be charged as a pair or one item. A pair of stockings under the British tariff section of the tariff will be charged as 2 items even though they might come in the same box.

Is it safe to use a sauna or hot tub following axillary surgery for Breast Cancer?

There is no research demonstrating that saunas or hot tubs increase the risk of triggering lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment. Historically it was stated in many advice leaflets that saunas or hot tubs should be avoided following breast cancer treatment as this was thought to increase risk. However, this is no longer supported as it is now recognised that this advice was anecdotal and not based on research. If the individual already has lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment, then using hot tubs or saunas is down to personal judgement. The lymphoedema symptoms may increase following the use of a hot tub or sauna, similar to the increases in lymphoedema often experienced in hot humid weather, but in most cases the increase is transient. For further information on what to advise those at risk of lymphoedema please see fact sheet for those at risk of lymphoedema: https://www.thebls.com/documents-library/lymph-facts-what-information-advice-and-support-should-be-provided-for-those-at-risk-of-lymphoedema

Latest News

May 22, 2026

BLS Board - Call for Trustees!

Are you passionate about improving care for people living with lymphoedema? Here at the BLS we aim to raise awareness and understanding of lymphoedema, helping to reduce the impact on patients’ lives. Become a Trustee of the British Lymphology Society for a 3-year term:

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A Response to Jeremy Vine Radio 2 Programme

To Jeremy Vine, Dr Sarah Jarvis and the producers of the Jeremy Vine radio programme, This letter is sent from the Board and Members of The British Lymphology Society, a registered charitable organisation that seeks to benefit those living with lymphoedema through education, raising awareness, supporting and driving improvements in cli

Apr 11, 2025

TRISHA GODDARD TO SHINE A LIGHT ON LYMPHOEDEMA IN CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER HOUSE

The British Lymphology Society is proud to support its Patron, Trisha Goddard, as she enters the Celebrity Big Brother house. Trisha, a tireless advocate for lymphoedema awareness, said “I’ll be wearing my compression tights and sleeve in the Celebrity Big Brother house and I’ll definitely be

Oct 03, 2024

British Lymphology Society Launches New Guidance Documents at Annual Conference

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Feb 06, 2023

Major revisions to guidelines on the management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema

Important and long-awaited revisions to the original guidelines on the management of cellulitis in lymphoedema are set out in a joint document by The British Lymphology Society, who are clinical experts in lymphoedema, in collaboration with a Microbiology consultant, and the national patient group, the Lymphoedema Support Network

Jun 07, 2022

Liposuction for Chronic Lymphoedema, Interventional Procedures Guidance [IPG723] from NICE

On 27th April NICE issued updated guidance for the use of liposuction in the treatment of lymphoedema in adults. More than 400,000 people in the UK have lymphoedema, and there are likely to be more people as yet undiagnosed. The use of liposuction as a treatment option can be beneficial to a particular cohort of patients, and this guid

Mar 30, 2022

British Lymphology Society strengthens its leadership and continues to grow

British Lymphology Society strengthens its leadership and continues to grow The BLS are delighted to announce a number of appointments to expand and strengthen the charity. The changes see two new patrons join the BLS, Professor Vaughan Keeley and Dr Kristiana Gordon, and Kate Sinclair appointed to the position of Char

Mar 10, 2022

BLS Launches Limbstat

BLS Launches Limbstat – Measure limb volumes accurately and efficiently BLS-Limbstat launches a useful tool for the clinic and home environment to improve calculations of limb volumes. BLS Trustee, Rachael Hutton developed the tool after years of resorting to the tried and tested scientific calculator, when a pat

Mar 16, 2021

British Journal of Nursing Awards

Congratulations to Katie Riches for winning the Chronic Oedema Nurse of the Year 2021 Award! Katie is Vice Chair of the BLS and a great ambassador for lymphoedema. If you missed the awards ceremony, you can watch it

Feb 11, 2021

Advice for Coronavirus Vaccination - Lymphoedema or Breast Cancer

Please advise anyone who has lymphoedema that lymph node swelling can be a side effect of any vaccine but is a known side effect of both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. However, we strongly urge that they accept whichever vaccine is offered, providing they have no contraindications. Anyone with lymphoedema of the arm is advis

Mar 03, 2020

New Award for EveryBodyCan Announcement

New Award for EveryBodyCan Announcement We are very excited about the 2020 EveryBodyCan campaign and its potential for all our members to be actively involved in influencing perceptions about activity for those with, or at risk of, lymphoedema, encouraging more active lifestyles, w

Feb 28, 2020

Trisha Goddard is Patron of the British Lymphology Society

The British Lymphology Society welcomes Dancing on Ice and chat show queen, Trisha Goddard as a Patron of their charity, as it launches biggest ever awareness campaign, #EveryBodyCan. Trisha developed Lymphoedema in her arm after undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2008 and now wears a compression sleeve. You&rsq

Oct 14, 2019

Cellultitis/Red legs as complexities in the management of lower limb wounds

BLOG: Rebecca Elwell, Lymphoedema Clinical Lead looks into how cellulitis and red leg can lead to complexities in venous leg ulcer management. The British Lymphology Society(BLS) is a dynamic and innovative body providing a strong professional voice and support for those involved i

Oct 14, 2019

Complexities Obtaining ABPI in Patients with Lymphoedema/Chronic Oedema

Rebecca Elwell, Lymphoedema Clinical Lead looks into the NEW BLS position paper on the application of compression in the absence of ABPI The Best Practice Statement addressing complexities in the management of venous leg ulcers (Wounds UK, 2019) recognises the importance of undertaking vascular ass

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BLOG: BLIG-BLOG

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Great Conference Feedback

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Legs Matter

Jan 31, 2018

Lymphedema After Cancer Treatment

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Dec 19, 2017

Good News For People With Foot And Leg Ulcers

WOUND CARE Leg and foot conditions including ulcers are being overlooked. Now a new campaign urges patients and clinicians to stand up for legs. Lower legs and feet, often with ulcers and associated oedemas are frequently left untrea

Nov 27, 2017

New Healthcare Coalition To Take Action On Lower Leg And Foot Conditions

A coalition of eight healthcare organisations is undertaking a united stand to ensure lower leg and foot conditions receive the urgent attention they need. Inspired by the “Stop the Pressure” campaign, the Legs Matter campaign will urge patients and clinicians to “Stand up for legs” so that lower l

Nov 03, 2017

BLS 2017 Conference Photographs

The 2017 BLS conference photographs are now available for all to review the event captured images from the Conference and the Monday evening Gala Dinner. Thank you for all of you who attended the conference in helping to make it such a great event. The photographs are available for all to be able to download any images to be able