Stay up to date with the latest compression therapy research findings, measuring tips, product advances, and upcoming events.

The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) has released its 2026 revised Position Paper: Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema/Chronic Oedema. It is a useful update for lymphoedema therapists, with practical guidance on recognising, treating and, importantly, preventing cellulitis.

One of the most notable updates is the approach to compression during acute cellulitis. Rather than routinely stopping compression, the new guidance says it may be continued—or considered as part of treatment—when it can be safely applied and is tolerated. There is also strong evidence reinforcing the role of compression in reducing the risk of recurrent cellulitis. 

Key takeaways

Compression during acute cellulitis: Emerging evidence suggests compression may help reduce pain, swelling and other symptoms without increasing complications. People already wearing compression can continue if comfortable. If compression needs to be removed because of pain, increased swelling or skin breakdown, it should be reintroduced as soon as it can be safely tolerated. 

Compression for prevention: This is where the evidence is strong. Managing lymphoedema and chronic oedema with compression significantly reduces the risk of recurrent cellulitis. Anyone with a history of cellulitis should be assessed for chronic oedema and referred for lymphoedema management, including compression, when appropriate. 

Don’t forget the other risk factors: Good skin care remains important, including managing tinea, fungal nail infections, dermatitis, eczema, wounds and ulcers. Weight management, patient education and early recognition of symptoms are also key parts of preventing recurrence. 

Overall, the updated paper gives lymphoedema therapists a clear message: compression doesn’t necessarily need to stop when cellulitis starts—and effective oedema management with compression is an important part of preventing recurrence.

Shape is the first component of the STRIDE framework and considers the limb's size, contour and distribution of oedema. Assessing shape helps determine whether a patient is suitable for ready-to-wear compression or requires a more customised approach.

When circular knit may be enough

Patients with relatively symmetrical limbs that align with standard sizing charts may be appropriately managed with circular knit ready-to-wear garments. However, as oedema progresses and limb shape becomes more irregular, greater containment may be required. Limbs with significant circumference changes, skin folds, lobules or distorted anatomy are often better suited to flat knit compression, which provides improved containment and accommodates complex limb contours.

When shape demands more containment

Ready-to-wear flat knit garments can provide a valuable intermediary option when circular knits are insufficient but a custom-made garment is not yet required. When limb measurements fall outside standard size ranges, or oedema distribution creates a highly asymmetrical shape, custom-made flat knit garments can provide a more precise fit and improve therapeutic effectiveness.

For severe oedema, rapidly changing limb volumes or highly distorted limb shapes, compression bandaging or adjustable wraps may be appropriate to reduce and reshape the limb before transitioning to a flat knit maintenance garment.

Better shape matching, better outcomes

By considering shape and fabric type first, clinicians can move beyond compression class alone and select a garment that delivers effective containment, optimal comfort and improved patient adherence. The more complex the limb shape, the more important garment structure and customisation become. Matching the garment to the patient's anatomy is fundamental to achieving successful long-term oedema and lymphoedema management.

The 2026 Wounds Australia Conference highlighted the growing national focus on chronic wound care, early intervention and multidisciplinary management. Across the conference and exhibition, clinicians engaged with Essity in practical discussions on managing venous leg ulcers (VLU), diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), skin integrity and closed incisions, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into everyday practice.

One of the strongest themes was the importance of getting the fundamentals right. For VLU management, delegates showed significant interest in compression therapy, discussing how appropriate compression selection, oedema management and patient adherence remain critical to improving healing rates and reducing recurrence. Hands-on demonstrations and peer discussions provided practical insights into when different compression options may be appropriate in clinical practice.

In DFU care, clinicians focused on the value of early assessment, offloading and timely referral into multidisciplinary teams. Discussions reinforced emerging evidence that coordinated care pathways can help prevent progression to infection, hospitalisation and amputation.

A strong topic of conversation was the area antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Delegates explored the new International AMS Guidelines for wound care and discussed practical approaches to reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use while still managing wound bioburden effectively. Significant discussion was generated around the use of the Cutimed® Sorbact® Technology and its physical mode of action, which removes bacteria and fungi without the use of antimicrobial agents, aligning with contemporary stewardship principles.

Skin integrity remains a key topic, particularly in aged care, where presentations highlighted the high prevalence of skin tears and the importance of prevention strategies, skin protection and minimising medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).

Overall, the conference reinforced a consistent message: better outcomes are achieved through earlier intervention, evidence-based treatment pathways, multidisciplinary collaboration and a strong focus on prevention alongside treatment.

For patients, successful compression therapy starts with comfort.

That's why we're excited to announce that JOBST^® Elvarex^® Soft Ready-to-Wear is now available.

Designed to support comfortable daily wear while delivering reliable compression, the new range offers simplified sizing, soft-touch materials and easy application to help support long-term adherence to therapy.

Whether you're managing patients with lymphoedema, lipoedema or a vascular condition, JOBST Elvarex Soft Ready-to-Wear provides greater flexibility with a range of readily available garment options to meet individual patient needs.

Whether supporting lower or upper limb patients, the new ready-to-wear range offers a selection of styles designed to help make compression therapy more comfortable, accessible and easier to manage.

Available in a range of compression classes, colours and style configurations, the collection gives you greater flexibility to match individual patient needs. Selected garments also feature SoftFit technology, designed to help minimise slipping and digging while supporting all-day comfort.

• Essity Webinar - Managing Breast and Chest Wall Oedema: Practical Compression Solutions Tuesday 27th October 12.30pm AEDT - Register here 

• Essity Webinar - Uncovering Chronic Lower Limb Oedema in Residential Aged Care: Evidence from Australia's Largest Study and Implications for Practice Tuesday 17th November 6.00pm AEDT - Register here