Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/p17.dxr/00059_Field_SRC.p17.C.34.txt

Text File | 1997-01-30 | 1KB | 16 lines

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.