How to Treat Edema With Bed Rest

Edema, which was previously known as dropsy or hydropsy, is an accumulation of fluid underneath the skin or in body cavities. Edema is caused by changes in the water absorption properties in the tissues, an increase in fluid pressure, a drop in the pressure of blood plasma in the blood vessels, a rise in blood and fluid absorption in the blood vessel walls, and a fluid obstruction among lymph nodes in the body. Types of edema include cerebral, where swelling occurs in the brain, peripheral, where swelling occurs in the feet or legs, periorbital, where swelling occurs around and behind the eyes, and cutaneous, which occurs in skin swelling due to reactions like poison ivy and mosquito bites. Mild and moderate edema can be cured with bed rest and several other home remedies. If you have extreme or severe edema, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Pillows
• Ice
• Mustard seeds
• Supportive body stockings

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Instructions

• 1

  Lie down at least 12 hours a day with your afflicted area elevated. While lying in bed, rest the swollen area on several pillows. The area inflicted with edema should be raised higher than the rest of the body to promote lymphatic drainage.

• 2

  Wear supportive body stockings on the affected area while resting. Supportive body stockings provide pressure to assist in draining the affected area and are especially effective for use in edema of the feet and legs.

• 3

  Ice the area for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. If you are feeling pain in the afflicted area, apply ice wrapped in a washcloth or towel. Leave on for 15 minutes, then remove. You may apply the ice once an hour as needed.

• 4

  Soak mustard seeds in hot water for 10 minutes and stir thoroughly. Soak the affected area in the mustard seed solution for 20 minutes per day.