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If the swollen legs are new since last seeing doctor, I would call now. If diagnosis could be CHF, legs swelling could mean other problems. She needs a water pill if not on it and definitely keep her feet up. Also, compression hose but I wouldn't use them without the doctor's OK.
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Dad's doctor has him put Vaseline on his legs due to all the dry skin which has helped eliminate new open wounds. When the swelling starts to flare up and/or weeping, we get wound care in right away to wrap his legs several times a week. At times, they have put him on antibiotics at the same time. Then when under control, we go back to compression socks. We have found that the sooner you get on this stuff, the better it heals so his legs are checked by caregivers several times a week.
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Thank you Barb. No weeping. I just wanted to pamper her as the skin looked tight. We are awaiting full diagnosis.
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I agree with Barb. Also, I wouldn’t put anything on weeping legs until after a provider, preferably a wound care doctor who can order something more appropriate after evaluation.
I am not sure how you could even apply moisturizer over the weeping to have the skin absorb it. Between the oozing fluid adding moisturizer may not be good.
Hand washing is so important as someone said.
For lower extremity swelling the treatment is elevation, compression hose, low salt diet & diuretics.
We don’t know if the swelling is from CHF, poor venous or arterial flow, a blocked blood vessel or lymphedema. Lymphedema is so hard to treat.
Please have mom re-evaluated by her PCP -she/he can refer her to a woundcare doctor or vascular surgeon. Has she had s Doppler study on her legs? That test would give an assessment of her blood vessels.
Good luck!
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anonymous974483 Nov 2019
Thank you Shane. It's early days and we are awaiting full diagnosis after having a really bad chest infection. We understand the tests are looking at the heart as the cause to her breathless condition. Meanwhile her ankles have become swollen but not weeping. As the skin looked tight i just thought I would give her a pamper session. I am grateful for your advise and will continue to encourage elevation etc.
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Barb raised a critical issue:  weeping.   And TNtechie raised a good point on ensuring that your hands are clean when applying lotion.

Weeping could be a sign of lymphedema, a potentially life threatening condition.

Although my cousin wasn't provided specific details by the medical people, we think that something might have been introduced into my aunt's  system through the leg pads she had to wear for her diagnosed lymphedema.    She was d'x'ed as having sepsis, and was gone by the end of the day. (But the hospital she was at is one of the worst in the area.)

Are your mother's legs being elevated to the extent possible?

Your profile indicates heart disease and mobility problems.    One thing she might be able to do to increase lower leg circulation is use a pedal bike.

They look like this:

https://www.tigermedical.com/Products/Pedal-Exerciser__FEI10-0710.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_ads&adlclid=ADL-e0384e27-e280-4b1c-9514-9a9d67a14fa7

You might be able to get one at a DME store if one of her physicians scripts for it, or you can order them through the catalogues which offer a variety of things, catalogues like Walter Drake, Miles Kimball.    I'd try the DME store first though, especially if you can get a script.

She can exercise her legs while sitting, increasing circulation but w/o the pressure of standing.  

I've also used St. Ives lotions; they're creamy, and I've never found them to be greasy.   I also use a lotion made by my herbal supplier, consisting of rosemary, mint and other ingredients.   The scent is divine!  

It's good for dry skin, but I also use it for soreness.  
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anonymous974483 Nov 2019
Thank you her legs are not weeping just skin looked tight. Thanks for advise re pedal bike I will definitely look into sourcing that.
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Although I agree the cause of the swelling needs to be addressed too, I like St Ives timeless skin creme or lotion. Particularly if your LO has CHF or some other condition compromising blood flow, I recommend you also practice a little extra cleanliness when applying the lotion. Apply after bathing and make sure your own hands are clean, use a small spatula to remove creme from the container or let lotion fall into your hand so the remaining creme/lotion isn't contaminated.
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anonymous974483 Nov 2019
Thank you for the good advise regarding hygiene. Yes we are awaiting full diagnosis. I just wanted to pamper her giving me the chance to examine more closely.
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Moisturizer is not the answer. Is the patient on diuretics and wearing TED hose?

I would consult with patient's doctor or NP before applying anything, especially if there is weeping.
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