Lymphoedema is a perhaps little known condition that can affect anyone of any age or gender.

It is a chronic and permanent swelling which can affect any area of the body, but most commonly affects the limbs.

It results from poor drainage of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.

National Lymphoedema Awareness Week is aimed at increasing people’s knowledge of lymphoedema and starts on Sunday (March 5), running through to March 11.

Registered nurses Elaine Spaine, from Onchan, and Sue Penton, from Douglas, are also hoping to raise awareness of the condition on the island.

The two have a combined 30 years’ experience in treating fluid retention related to the lymphatic system and now run their own clinic, Solar Care IOM, in Onchan, specialising in it.

Elaine said: ’We have mixed nursing backgrounds, including experience in general nursing, theatre, occupational health and palliative care both in Australia, South Africa, UK and IOM.

’We both specialised in lymphoedema management and to date have a combined 30 years experience in the specialised field of lymphology.

’Unfortunately we are not aware of any statistics for the Isle of Man but one of the problems worldwide is that it is an under-estimated condition and often misdiagnosed or confused with other conditions.

’It is thought to affect more than 200,000 people in the UK.

’We will be joining in the UK campaign being started on Sunday by the British Lymphology Society on social media and will also have our own Facebook campaign with different information being put out Monday to Friday next week.

’In addition to this we will have tea/coffee/cake and information available at The Polyclinic, at Winchester Court, Second Avenue in Onchan, where we are based, Monday to Friday next week.’

For more information on lymphoedema visit the British Lymphology Society or Solar Care IOM Facebook pages.