1. Practice Good Hygiene
   • use a gentle soap such as Dove
   • After bathing, dry well between fingers for arm, and toes for feet
   • if cellulitis is a problem wipe down limb with alcohol
   • apply a low pH lotion such as Eucerin, Curel, Dermaltherapy or Johnson & Johnson Baby Lotion.
   • for prevention of fungal infections, apply an antifungal ointment (under bandages) or powder (under garments)
   • wash garments/bandage stockinette daily, elastic bandages every 3-4 days.
   • keep cuticles moist with cream and push them back, don't cut them
2. Prevent Skin Breaks
   • keep severely chapped skin and cracked cuticles soft with creams (Aquifier is excellent)
   • use gloves when doing dishes, cleaning house, gardening and other "dirty work" to avoid abrasions
   • use long oven mitts to prevent burns
   • use an electric shaver to remove hair; razors can introduce infection and cause openings in the skin
   • always offer the other arm for injections, blood draws and blood pressures
3. Locate and Treat Skin Breaks
   • perform a "daily skin check" for cuts, burns, bites, hangnails, cracked or torn cuticles. Check between toes for fungal growth
   • treat all openings with anti-bacterial ointment and Band-Aid
   • recognize the signs of infection: redness, warmth, tenderness, red streaks, increased edema.
   • call physician immediately for oral antibiotics if infection is suspected

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© Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc.
771 Pilot House Drive, Suite A, Newport News, Virginia 23606
Office: 757-873-2302, Fax: 757-873-2306, email: tpti@visi.net