Beauty and the Beast - infection risk during Chemo
Beauty and the Beast - infection risk during Chemo
During Chemotheraphy, your immune system is being taxed. Here are few of the practical things I've learned during my chemo time.
(Interestingly enough, I was a non-cosmetics user. But because of chemo, I decided to practice the "Look Good ... may Feel BETTER" route. However there are things to be aware of ... Being a contact lensed wearer, I managed to catch a severe eye infection. NOT FUN ... lots of anxiety and pain!)
Contact Lenses Wearer - be aware of
- Mascara use (replace if is older then 2 to 3 months.) Also try not to use waterproof one, as they are hard to remove.
- Gardening on a windy day or when the pollen level is high
- lenses hygiene practice or non-practice (Try to switch to glasses or daily lenses to lower your risk or if you are lazy like me)
- old cosmetics in your draw .. better to start again.
- http://www.chemocare.com/managing/eye_problems.asp
Manicures & pedicure - what are the NO NOs
- don't let nail technician cut your cuticles - as they protects the nail bed from germs.
- steer clear from artificial nails during chemo, as they often carries more germs (in my opinion)
- avoid crowed and busy areas - yes the Nail Spa (as they are germ heaven)
- ==> invest in your own home Nail Spa tool
Skin Care
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Watch out for any dry spots & wear long sleeves, hat + Sunscreen when you are out about ..
http://www.lgfb.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=22
Anything else you would like to add or share from your experiences?
More References:
http://www.nbocc.org.au/breast-cancer/treatment/side-effects-of-chemotherapy#infection
Infection is very dangerous during chemo, take each infection seriously - go to emergency with your chemo card.
Note for eye infection during after hours, go to emergency room and ask for EYE Registrar on duty NOT a doctor, as sometime the nurse have no idea!!!
