Wound Care and Infection Prevention for Cancer Caregivers at Home

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or surgery often make the skin more sensitive, resulting in sores or surgical wounds that take forever to heal. Knowing how to care for these wounds safely helps your loved one stay comfortable, heal faster, and stay healthy.

Safe wound care at home

Patients going through chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy have compromised immunity and can get serious infections quickly. A minor wound infection may increase abruptly, leading to hospitalization, affecting their treatment schedule. 

Before touching the wound, thoroughly wash your hands, and then use the cleaning solution and methods given by the oncology team. Clean the wound from the center to the outside to prevent dragging germs back into the wound. Use sterile materials and gloves; see to it that the dressing is securely applied and doesn't restrict blood circulation. Regularly monitor the wound’s drainage type and amount, size, color, and odor. Changes need to be noted down immediately. Some of the instructions may seem over the top or paranoid, but it is important to remember that the patient’s immune system is almost non-existent, and the slightest trigger could cause a massive infection. 

Early signs of infections

Infections begin subtly, and being vigilant can help defend the patient against them. Look out for these symptoms: 

• Redness and swelling: The area around the wound feels hot to the touch, along with redness and swelling.
• Drainage changes: A discharge like pus that is thick, foul-smelling, green, or yellow.
• Pain: New or increased pain at the wound site that's unrelieved by their usual medicines.
• Others: Constant fever or chills; the oncology team must be reported to immediately if fever is there.

Currently, studies are being conducted on using nanofat to promote wound healing and the role of serpin B3 for nanomaterial-driven wound healing. While still at early stages, once fully developed, these studies can change the way wound care and infection prevention are done.

Safe and hygienic caregiving

Hygiene and safety help in infection prevention for both the patient and the caregiver.

• Waste disposal: Safely dispose of soiled dressings in sealed bags to avoid contamination; keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Hand wash: Wash your hands for 20 seconds at least, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Overall cleanliness: Dressings, change surfaces, and the patient’s living area need to be kept clean and free of clutter. 

Don't ignore caregiver wellness, as the emotional and physical challenges of care at home for cancer are tough. Caregivers can rush into tasks to complete them, which can increase the risk of errors. Take training, ask questions, and make a clear plan for when contacting the medical team. Managing your own health and well-being is necessary to provide care and safety for the patient. You play an important role in the care team.