About Me

I’m Clare Yates Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema.

I have 20 years experience working in an NHS clinic, the past 6 years as Clinical

Lead, specialising in assessment, diagnosis and management of chronic Lymphatic

disorders.

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.

The lymphatic system is a network of fragile vessels and lymph nodes, it transports

fluid called lymph, which contains waste products and proteins.

The primary functions are;

  • Fight infection and support the immune system

  • Transports nutrients around the body

  • Manages excess fluid.

Movement and deep breathing help to keep the lymphatic system moving.

A minimalist illustration of a green leaf branch on a beige background.
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 chronic disorder of disproportionate increase in adipose tissue (fat cells) in the legs and occasionally the arms.

It almost exclusively affects women, hormonal factors are likely to contribute to this condition.

Common Symptoms:

  • Subcutaneous tissue enlargement which is bilateral and symmetrical to thighs, buttocks and legs, feet and hands are not involved

  • Altered skin appearance and texture

  • Pain, heaviness, sensitivity and bruising to the legs

  • Disproportionately larger lower half of the body