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Choosing soap: mild, fragrance-free, ordinary

During treatment the skin is dry and sensitive. The right soap cleans without drying or irritating it.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A plain pump bottle of liquid soap beside a tap and white sink
Figure 1.Plain, fragrance-free liquid soap

01Short answer

Choose a mild, fragrance-free, pH-neutral soap or body wash; products for sensitive skin work well. Plain soap and water remove germs well; according to the FDA, antibacterial soap has not been shown to be better than plain soap at home. Avoid products with strong fragrance, colouring, alcohol or scrub particles. When soap is shared, liquid soap is more hygienic than a bar; if you use a bar, keep it personal and on a draining dish. If your team has prescribed a special antiseptic wash (for example before a transplant), follow its instructions.

02Simple explanation

Mild, fragrance-free.

Plain soap is enough.

Shared: liquid soap.

Special washes: as prescribed.

03Scientific explanation

FDA: antibacterial soaps have not been shown to be more effective than plain soap and water for home use.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Fragrance

Fragrances can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergy.

Bar soap

Germs can grow on a bar left in a wet dish.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
FragranceFragrances can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergy.
Bar soapGerms can grow on a bar left in a wet dish.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

pH-neutral
Close to the skin's natural acidity.
Antibacterial soap
Soap with added antimicrobial agents.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Mild.
  • Fragrance-free.
  • Personal.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Is baby soap all right?

Yes, if fragrance-free it is a good choice.

Chlorhexidine washes?

Only if your team prescribes them.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. Is baby soap all right?

  2. Chlorhexidine washes?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Stem Cell Transplants in Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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