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- 3. Do everything you can to avoid injuries and infection in the affected limb:
- • use an electric razor to shave the limb to avoid skin cuts
- • wear gloves when gardening or doing housework and wear thimbles when sewing
- • suntan gradually, if at all, and use a sunscreen
- • avoid walking barefoot, particularly on the beach or wading in water
- • use insect repellents and wear protective clothing to avoid insect bites
- • clean any breaks in your skin with mild soap and water, then apply an antibacterial ointment
- • use gauze wrapping instead of adhesive tape on any skin wounds
- • if you develop a rash, consult your doctor
- • try to minimize all the "invasive" procedures for drawing blood and giving medications—injections, finger
- pricks and IVs—on the affected arm or leg
- • take good care of your nails and don't cut the cuticles
- • cut your toenails straight across
- • see a podiatrist for any foot care problems
- • keep your feet clean and dry and wear cotton socks
- • avoid extreme hot or cold—ice packs and heating pads, for example—on the swollen limb.
