Hygiene & Self-Care Guidelines
During cancer treatment, your body\'s defenses are uniquely vulnerable. Establishing a gentle, protective self-care routine is one of the most powerful ways you can actively support your own healing and prevent complications.
Infection Prevention (Neutropenia)
During chemotherapy, your white blood cell count may drop, making you more susceptible to infections. Strict hygiene is your first line of defense.
What to Do
- Wash hands frequently with warm water and mild soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly and cook meats to safe temperatures.
- Shower daily using a gentle, unfragranced body wash.
- Keep all cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a sterile bandage.
What to Avoid
- Do not share personal items like towels, razors, or toothbrushes.
- Avoid large crowds and people who are visibly sick.
- Avoid changing pet litter boxes or cleaning bird cages.
Skin & Nail Care
Treatments like radiation and targeted therapies can make your skin extremely dry, sensitive, or prone to rashes (radiation dermatitis).
What to Do
- Moisturize daily using thick, fragrance-free creams (like Cerave, Cetaphil, or Aquaphor) immediately after showering.
- Use warm (not hot) water for bathing to prevent stripping natural oils.
- Follow specific care rules for irradiated skin: do not scrub treatment marks and use only approved creams.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even on cloudy days.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel; never rub vigorously.
What to Avoid
- Avoid products with strong fragrances, alcohol, or harsh exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs).
- Do not use heating pads or ice packs on radiation-treated skin.
- Avoid tight-fitting, rough clothing (opt for loose, breathable cotton).
Oral Hygiene (Mouth Care)
Chemotherapy and head/neck radiation can cause mouth sores (mucositis) and dry mouth. Gentle oral care is essential to prevent painful complications.
What to Do
- Brush teeth 2-3 times a day using an ultra-soft bristled toothbrush.
- Use a mild, fluoride toothpaste. If mint burns, try a flavorless or children's toothpaste.
- Rinse mouth 4-6 times a day with a soothing baking soda and salt water rinse (1/4 tsp each in 8oz warm water).
- Keep lips moisturized with a mild lip balm or petroleum jelly.
- Sip water frequently or use saliva substitutes for dry mouth.
What to Avoid
- Do not use mouthwashes containing alcohol (they dry and irritate the tissue).
- Avoid crunchy, spicy, acidic, or extremely hot foods that can aggravate sores.
- Avoid toothpicks or sharp dental tools that could cut the gums.
Hair, Scalp & Nail Care
Managing changes to your hair and nails requires a gentle touch and extra protection from the elements.
What to Do
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free baby shampoo for your scalp during alopecia (hair loss).
- Protect your head from the sun and cold with soft hats, scarves, or sunscreen.
- Keep nails trimmed short and clean to prevent nail bed infections.
- Moisturize cuticles daily to prevent cracking and peeling.
What to Avoid
- Avoid professional manicures and pedicures during active treatment.
- Avoid harsh chemical treatments, dyes, or heat styling on your hair.
- Do not cut your cuticles or use sharp tools under the nails.
Sleep & Rest Hygiene
Creating a calming bedtime routine is crucial to combat treatment-induced fatigue and insomnia, helping your body recover optimally.
What to Do
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Create a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment to promote deep rest.
- Engage in a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading or gentle breathing exercises.
- Limit daytime naps to 20-30 minutes so they do not interfere with nighttime sleep.
- Use comfortable, breathable cotton bedding to regulate body temperature.
What to Avoid
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Limit screen time (phones, tablets, TV) for at least an hour before sleep.
- Do not force sleep if you are tossing and turning; get up and do a quiet activity until you feel drowsy.
Daily Self-Care Checklist
A simple routine to reference every morning to support your body's healing.
- Check body temperature
- Gentle warm shower
- Apply thick moisturizer
- Rinse mouth (salt/baking soda)
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Drink a glass of water
Red Flags
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your care team immediately if you experience any of the following signs of infection:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Sudden chills or severe shaking
- A new or spreading skin rash
- Shortness of breath or chest pain