I've read in various places that touching (poking or squeezing, even lightly) lymph nodes can keep them enlarged, or enlarge them further(perhaps even permanently).

Is there any general truth to this?

I'm trying to keep my hands off my enlarged lymph nodes... to see if they disappear on their own. But, how long is it safe to wait?

:rolleyes:

Thank you, all...

I've read in various places that touching (poking or squeezing, even lightly) lymph nodes can keep them enlarged, or enlarge them further(perhaps even permanently).

Is there any general truth to this?

I'm trying to keep my hands off my enlarged lymph nodes... to see if they disappear on their own. But, how long is it safe to wait?

:rolleyes:

Thank you, all...

Lymph nodes are just like other areas of the body, if you continue to massage, feel, or rub them, excessively, they will swell from the friction. As for how long to wait before seeking advice, that has to be a decision based on whether or not you feel sick, whether the swellings are causing any noticeable discomfort, or whether you have any other symptoms that you believe are related. If you know you have had a cold or virus, bad tooth, or infection in the last 3 months, then I would give the nodes time to go away on their own. Touching one time per day to see if there is a change is not too much, but more than that could cause them to be irritated.