Useful Tips for Hygiene and Bathing During Cancer Treatment or Surgery

How to feel fresh and clean after cancer treatments or surgery, even when you’re feeling weak

After cancer treatment or surgery many cancer patients may find themselves confined to a bed with low energy levels and mobility. Although you may not be moving around and sweating as much during recovery periods it’s essential to maintain a high level of hygiene for your physical and mental well being. A lack of movement and sense of cleanliness can lower energy levels even further so it’s best to freshen up as much as possible. Dr. Shyamali Singhal, General Surgeon, and Oncologist at El Camino Hospital in the Silicon Valley suggests the following tips and tools to stay clean and assist with bathing after cancer treatment or surgery.

Dry Shampoo and Leave in Conditioner

It depends on where the cancer surgery took place, but it’s very common for cancer patients to comment on how difficult or painful it is to wash their hair in the shower after surgery. Washing hair in the shower requires raised arms and a vigorous movement that can be challenging to perform. Because dry shampoo can be applied anywhere, and not just in the shower, you will be able to get in a more relaxed and less strenuous position to apply it. Additionally, keeping your hair dry while in the shower water makes it easier to manage water saturation enabling you to prevent bandages from totally soaking through. Many people find that having someone else apply some dry shampoo while also offering a scalp massage to be soothing and refreshing. Leave in conditioner works the same way and can be a much needed pick me up on a dragging day.

Dressing Protectors

Dressing, gause, and bandages need to be kept dry at all times, especially while bathing or cleaning around the house. There are now medical grade adhesive films that are available that allow air flow but prevent water and bacteria from entering. This adhesive film makes bathing and cancer treatment hygiene much easier as you don’t have to be nearly as careful and you can get your entire body under the shower. Medical adhesive film keeps bandages smoothly pressed down where they’re meant to be so you don’t have to worry about them snagging as you go about your day.

Loofa or Sponge on a Stick

After cancer surgery soreness, uncomfortable incision locations, and overall exhaustion may make it difficult to clean your back and other hard to reach areas in the shower. You may not see them too often anymore, but people have been bathing with sponges on sticks since the Roman Empire. A natural sea sponge on a stick makes for an excellent bathing tool as they are soft on sensitive skin and give an extra effortless reach to places that may now cause you discomfort to clean thoroughly.

Shower and Bath Seats

Certain cancer treatments make it incredibly difficult to stand up for extended periods of time and since sitting in the bathtub during a shower isn’t very enjoyable or sanitary you may want to consider a bath seat. Shower and bath seats help take the load off your tired and sore body so that you can actually relax a bit while bathing after surgery. Remember bathing is as much about addressing your cancer treatment hygiene as it is relaxing the body and freshening up the mind. Cut yourself a break and keep your showers safe with a comfortable seat.

Hand Rails for Bath and Toilet

Suction cup and bolt in handrails make it easy to add some support to the areas of your house where you need it. Try adding some suction cup hand rails to assist with balance in the shower, you never know when you might need them. It’s also a good idea to add hand rails next to the toilet and anywhere else you may find yourself standing from a seated position frequently. Handrails are also recommended to be placed proactively in areas of the house where you spend a lot of time standing in one place such as the kitchen to offer support during potential nauseous periods.

Face and Body Wipes

On the tougher days where cancer patients may find themselves too nauseous or tired to bathe after cancer treatment a simple solution is face and body wipes. Face and body wipes can make a big difference in your post cancer treatment hygiene with minimal effort. Keep your wipes next to the bed and use them as frequently as necessary. Most wipes can even be heated in the microwave so that you can open your pores for a deeper clean and still experience the soothing, refreshing calm of bathing. Face and body wipes are easy and essential.

Be Proactive in Your Cancer Treatment Hygiene

It can be challenging to find the energy to comfortably bathe after cancer treatment and cancer surgery but with proper preparation and forward thinking you can put yourself in a situation to make the experience as easy going as possible. There are plenty of inexpensive and creative products on the market that can keep your energy levels high while keeping you clean, safe, and confident. Be proactive and situate your house in a way where you’re encouraged to take care of your hygiene even when your energy and mood is low as a clean body can be the spark that brings a sense of vibrance and freshness back into your life.