About Me

I’m Clare Yates, an Advanced Practitioner in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema with over 20 years’ nursing experience.

I spent six years as Clinical Lead in a busy Lymphoedema clinic, specialising in assessment, diagnosis and management of chronic lymphatic conditions.

Professional Memberships I hold:

  • MLDuk

  • Casley Smith (casle.org.uk)

  • Lipoedema UK

  • NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council)

  • BLS (British Lymphology Society)

A smiling woman Clare Yates with short blonde hair wearing a burgundy top standing in front of a wooden background.

Understanding Lymphoedema

An illustration of the human nervous system, showing nerves extending throughout the body, with a small green leaf in the bottom right corner.

When it fails, harmful substances collect in affected areas causing swelling, skin changes and increased infection risk.

Common Symptoms:

  • Tightness or swelling (especially in limbs)

  • Clothes and shoes feeling restrictive

  • Episodes of cellulitis (skin infection). The area will appear red and hot, and swelling will increase. People with lymphoedema are at greater risk of cellulitis. It requires prompt medical attention (see lymphoedema.org for further advice)

  • Changes in skin or tissue texture

Lymphoedema is a chronic inflammatory condition where part of the lymphatic drainage system fails to work effectively.

Why the Lymphatic System Matters:

  • Protects against infection and disease

  • Works as the body’s waste disposal system

  • Keeps body fluids in balance and transports essential nutrients

A minimalist illustration of a green leaf branch on a beige background.

Lymphoedema is a chronic inflammatory condition where part of the lymphatic drainage system fails to work effectively.

Why the Lymphatic System Matters:

  • Protects against infection and disease

  • Works as the body’s waste disposal system

  • Keeps body fluids in balance and transports essential nutrients

Green monstera leaves against a plain white wall.
Sketch of a sprig of green leaves on a beige background.

Understanding Lipoedema

Watercolor illustration of four green leaves on a beige background.

Lipoedema is a connective tissue disorder mainly affecting women. It causes symmetrical fat deposits on hips, buttocks, legs and sometimes arms.

Common Symptoms:

  • Heaviness, discomfort or pain in affected areas

  • Uneven or bumpy skin texture

  • Disproportionate fat distribution