Many cancer treatments weaken the body’s immunity system . When WBC’s counts are low, the body isn’t capable of fighting off germs, which is why cancer patients undergoing treatment are more vulnerable to infection.
Infections during cancer treatment may cause a number of other problems, like hospital stays, treatment delays and affected outcomes. one among the foremost important ways you can help protect yourself from infection during cancer treatment is by practicing good hygiene practices
Hand washing
One of the simplest ways to stay yourself from getting sick is to keep your hands clean. you ought to also encourage your friends and family members to keep their hands clean.
There are two ways of performing hand hygiene. the first is by washing your hands with soap and water and the other is by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When hands are visibly soiled hand hygiene should be performed with soap and water
Soap and Water
- Turn on water and wet your hands.
- Apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to lather the soap ensuring that you simply cover the palms, back of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails.
- After scrubbing your entire hands for 20 seconds rinse your hands with clean, running water.
- use clean towel to dry your hands after washing.
- Turn off the running water using the towel or paper towel used to dry your hands.
Alcohol-Based Gel/Foam Sanitizer
- Apply an appropriate amount of gel/foam on the hand.
- Rub your hands together with the sanitizer ensuring to cover your palms, backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails.
- Continue to rub your hands until dry.
Hand hygiene may be a vital practice while you’re receiving treatment for cancer – for both you and your visitors. During treatment your system could also be compromised, making you more vulnerable to infections
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
There are variety of things that you simply can do to keep your mouth healthy:
- Brush your teeth and clean your dentures after you wake up, before you head to bed, and after every meal.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Use mouthwash recommended by the doctor to avoid getting mouth sores.
- If you develop mouth sores, speak to your doctor about whether to substitute mouthwash for salt or plain water mouth rinses, as this may cause less discomfort.
- Ask your doctor or nurse before flossing your teeth because your chemotherapy may increase your chances of bleeding once you floss.
- Avoid using toothpicks.
- Try to remain faraway from things which will irritate your mouth: alcohol, tobacco, spicy food, garlic, onion, vinegar, crunchy foods, and acidic drinks (e.g., orange and grapefruit juice).
Skin Changes, Skin Care and Bathing
The medicines that you simply take to treat your cancer may cause your skin to vary in a number of ways. These changes, like dry skin and irritation, can cause openings in the skin where germs can enter and infection can set in
Following the guidelines below will help protect your skin from damage and infection:
- Bathe a day and use warm water.
- Avoid soaking in spas or hot tubs.
- Use a gentle soap for bathing.
- Use a soft towel to carefully wash skin.
- Be certain to clean feet, groin, underarms, and other sweaty areas well.
- Don’t rub your skin with towel, instead pat it dry.
- Do not share towel with other family members.
- Use unscented lotion or moisturizing cream on skin after it’s dried completely.
Protecting Skin From Cuts, Scrapes, Injury and Infection
While you’re going through chemotherapy, your body won’t be ready to fight germs off as it normally would.
If you follow a couple of simple steps you’ll protect yourself from injury and infection:
- Use an electric razor rather than a blade when shaving to stop nicks.
- Be careful when handling sharp items.
- Wear gloves when gardening to guard your hands from cuts and scrapes.
- take care when exercising to avoid grazing or scraping your skin.
- take care when walking on wet or slippery surfaces to avoid falling and scraping your skin.
- Do not cut, tear, or bite cuticles.
- Avoid manicures and pedicures.
- Do not squeeze or scratch pimples.
- Wear clothes that’s appropriate for the kind of activity you intend to do
