You have just finished a course of antifungal treatment for a nail, skin or yeast infection, and now you feel puffy, heavy or simply worn out. Many people then ask us about a gentle lymphatic drainage massage. It can be a calm, pleasant way to get back to feeling like yourself. But it is not a “detox” for medicine, and there are times when it is better to wait. Here is what to know before you book.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
What lymphatic drainage massage does
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a light massage technique that helps move trapped fluid toward areas with working lymph vessels, as Mayo Clinic describes it. The strokes are slow, rhythmic and much lighter than a regular massage. Most clients find it very relaxing, and many say they feel lighter and less puffy afterwards.
Can lymphatic massage “flush out” antifungal medicine?
No, and we would rather tell you honestly. Your body clears medicine mainly through the liver and kidneys, and a massage does not speed that up. Some antifungal pills can affect the liver: Mayo Clinic notes that oral terbinafine, a common treatment for nail fungus, may cause serious liver problems, and that blood tests may be needed. That is your doctor’s area, not a massage therapist’s.
What a massage can do is help you relax, ease the feeling of heaviness, and give you a quiet hour for yourself after weeks of treatment.
When to wait before booking
- The skin infection is still active. Fungal skin infections such as ringworm often spread by direct skin-to-skin contact (Mayo Clinic). Please wait until your doctor says the skin has cleared.
- You are still taking the medicine or you had side effects from it. Finish the course and check with your doctor first.
- You have a fever or feel unwell. Massage is not recommended during an acute infection.
- You have new or unexplained swelling. Have it checked by a doctor before booking.
If you are unsure, text us first. We would rather move your appointment than risk your health or another client’s.
What a session is like
A therapeutic lymphatic drainage session lasts 60 minutes and costs $110. Your massage is done by Max, a CAMTC-certified massage therapist (certificate #80884) with 12 years of massage experience. Before we start, tell us which medicine you took, when you finished it, and how you feel now. The pressure stays light the whole time, and you can ask us to change anything.
Quick answers
How soon after finishing an antifungal course can I book?
When the infection has cleared and your doctor has no concerns. If you took antifungal pills, ask your doctor whether any follow-up blood test is needed first.
I had nail fungus. Is that a problem?
Tell us when you book. If the infection is cleared, it is usually not a problem. If it is still active, we will help you pick a later date.
Will lymphatic massage prevent the infection from coming back?
No. Follow your doctor’s advice for that. Massage is for comfort and relaxation, not a treatment for fungal infections.
Book a gentle lymphatic massage
HealthSpa4U is at 3517 Del Rey St, Unit 106B, in Pacific Beach, San Diego, with free street parking. Learn more about our therapeutic lymphatic drainage massage, or request an appointment online. You can also text or call 619-586-0136.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. Lymphedema: Diagnosis and treatment (manual lymph drainage).
- Mayo Clinic. Ringworm (body): Symptoms and causes.
- Mayo Clinic. Terbinafine (oral route).
Photos: Polina Tankilevitch, Nothing Ahead and Gustavo Fring on Pexels; other photos HealthSpa4U.
