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Nutrition and daily life

Handwashing: the simplest, strongest protection

Most infections spread by hands. During leukemia treatment hand hygiene is the most important protective habit for the patient, the family and visitors. This section explains when and how to wash your hands.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Lathered hands rubbing between fingers.
Figure 1.Between the fingers.

01Short answer

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds: palms, between fingers, thumbs, nails and wrists. Dry with a clean towel or a single-use paper towel. Wash before eating and cooking, and after touching raw meat, using the toilet, blowing your nose, touching animals or rubbish, and when entering or leaving hospital. If hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol hand rub is fine. Do not hesitate to ask visitors to wash their hands.

02Simple explanation

Soap + 20 seconds.

Between fingers and nails.

Clean towel.

Visitors too.

03Scientific explanation

WHO and CDC: proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures against hospital and foodborne infections.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Hand rub

At least 60% alcohol; rub until dry. Visible dirt needs soap.

A dispenser by the bed.
Figure 2.Hand rub — Handwashing: the simplest, strongest protection

Skin

Frequent washing dries skin; use an unscented moisturiser.

A single-use paper towel.
Figure 3.Drying hands — Handwashing: the simplest, strongest protection

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Hand rubAt least 60% alcohol; rub until dry. Visible dirt needs soap.
SkinFrequent washing dries skin; use an unscented moisturiser.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Hand rub
An alcohol-based product that kills germs.
Contact spread
Germs passing by touch.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • 20 seconds with soap.
  • Wash at key moments.
  • Everyone washes.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I need antibacterial soap?

Ordinary soap is enough.

Can I ask a doctor to wash their hands?

Yes; it is normal and protects you.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I need antibacterial soap?

  2. Can I ask a doctor to wash their hands?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  2. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  3. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  5. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  6. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food manual
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. NCCIH (U.S. NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). World Hand Hygiene Day
  10. American Cancer Society. Preventing Infections in People with Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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