Background: Patients with leg lymphoedema are often concerned about wearing compression stockings when the ambient temperature is high during summer. This study explored patient attitudes with regard to their use of compression stockings. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey via a self-administered questionnaire for 1,000 patients. Questions related to patient characteristics, awareness, issues with compression stockings during summer and attitude. Logistic regression analysis explored factors associated with their outlook on wearing compression stockings. Results: The survey requirements were met by 170 (17.0%) of the surveyed patients; of these, 130 (76.5%) referred to problems during the summer and 64 of these continued wearing their stockings (49.2%). The proportion of patients with a history of cellulitis in the group wearing their stockings over summer was significantly higher than those who did not wear their stockings (33.3% vs 12.8%, P=0.024). Continuation of wearing compression stockings was significantly associated with cellulitis history (OR=7.10 [1.79–28.17], P=0.007). Conclusion: Patients with lymphoedema of the leg and a history of cellulitis continued wearing compression stockings during summer, although they had complaints, such as clothing discomfort and skin problems. Expectancy was high for a new summer-appropriate stocking.
