[Lymphedema--treatment].

Treatment of lymphedema utilizes complex physical (or decongestive) therapy (CDT), so-called. This covers a number of measures including compression, lymph drainage, skin care and individualized exercises. CDT is divided into two phases--an intensive phase during which daily treatment is applied over a period of two to four weeks, and a maintenance phase in which especially compression therapy is continued in order to secure the positive effects achieved during the first phase. Treatment should be initiated in an early stage of the condition, and the aim is to return the patient to the symptom-free latency stage. Neither isolated manual lymph drainage nor equipment-based decongestion is considered for the treatment of lymphedema. To date, the efficacy of various drugs, including selenium, has not been confirmed.