How to Manage Infection From Chemo

When you're undergoing cancer treatment, the chemo drugs can damage your bone marrow, where your blood cells are made. White blood cells combat many different infections. But, they become limited when you're undergoing chemo. You're at a higher risk of infection.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor if you're suffering from an infection. It's important that you be put on some sort of medication. Your doctor will be able to best treat you in a way that doesn't interact with your cancer treatment.

• 2

  Make sure to clean your rectal area after every bowel movement. You want to be gentle so you don't cause further infection. Call your doctor if you get hemorrhoids.

• 3

  Clean you hands with soap and water throughout the day. This is especially important before you eat, after you use the bathroom and after you pet animals.

• 4

  Stay away from people who are sick, especially if they're contagious. This includes people with the flu, a cold, chickenpox or measles.

• 5

  Keep your distance from kids who were vaccinated with a live virus, such as oral polio and chickenpox. They may be contagious to you because of your low blood cell count.

• 6

  Protect yourself from cuts as much as possible. That includes your cuticles. You shouldn't use a razor; use an electric shaver instead. If you do cut yourself, clean the cut or scrape with an antiseptic and warm water and soap.

• 7

  Take a warm shower, bath or sponge bath every day. When drying off, pat your skin, don't rub. Moisturize dry skin with lotion.