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To assess the effectiveness of self-massage and skin care using a base cream containing aromatherapy oils versus using a base cream without aromatherapy oils in terms of objective reduction in limb volume and patient-reported symptom improvement and well-being after simple lymphatic drainage
Self-massage and skin care significantly improved patient-identified symptom relief and well-being for patients. It also, but not significantly, reduced limb volume. Aromatherapy oils did not appear to influence any improvement in these measures. In the experimental group, 69% had limb reduction, compared to 57% in the control group (p = 0.38). Both groups combined showed slight improvement (p = 0.034). The finding supports the use of simple lymphatic drainage. Well-being, pain, discomfort, mobility, and body image were evaluated and showed significant improvement in patient-identified symptom relief and well-being. No difference was observed using aromatherapy.