Risk Reduction Practices

• 1. Perform through out your day and everyday (in shower, car, in front of TV, etc.)
• 2. Avoid trauma/injury and reduce infection risk
• 3. Keep extremity clean and dry.
• 4. Apply moisturizer daily to prevent chapping/chaffing of skin.
• 5. Attention to nail care, do not cut cuticles.
• 6. Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
• 7. Use care with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation.
• 8. If possible, avoid punctures such as injections and blood draws.
• 9. Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent).
• 10. If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (i.e. redness).
• 11. If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately.

• 1. Gradually build up the duration and intensity of any activity or exercise.
• 2. Take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery.
• 3. Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness.
• 4. Maintain optimal weight.

• 1. If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken on the at risk arm.
• 2. Wear loose fitting jewelry and clothing.

• 1. Should be well-fitting.
• 2. Support the at risk limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e. weight lifting, prolonged standing, running).
• 3. Wear a well-fitting compression garment for air travel.

• 1. Avoid exposure to extreme cold, which can be associated with rebound swelling, or chapping of skin.
• 2. Avoid prolonged (> 15 minutes) exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs and saunas.
• 3. Avoid immersing limb in water temperatures above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 1. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.
• 2. When possible, avoid crossing legs.
• 3. Wear proper, well-fitting footwear.