[Gala]

Earrings, hair color, and make up post transplant

by Gala on Sat Dec 31, 2016 4:38 pm

Hi and Happy New Year everyone! I hope the new year brings joy and better health as well and kinder effective treatment options to the myeloma community.

I have a question related to the festive season: When is it OK to put on earrings, color your hair (if and when there is any), and use make up after the transplant.

My sister has put her earrings back on, but because she had not worn them for a while, her ears are a bit sore and she is worried about infection.

My understanding is that when your white blood cell count is low, no makeup, jewelry for piercing, or contact lenses can be worn. I've read that when a patient's absolute granulocyte count (AGC) recovers to 500 for three days in a row, the patient may wear makeup, including foundation, blush and lipstick, and jewelry for piercings.

Eye makeup and contact lenses may not be worn until the AGC is 2,000 for two weeks in a row, which as I understand usually occurs within the first three weeks of leaving the hospital. Also, all makeup products that are used should be new following your transplant. Fingernail polish and artificial nails are not permitted, due to the risk of bacterial and fungal infection.

I don't think my sister knows her AGC. Her total WBC is now 5. It's Day +23 post transplant and she is still in hospital because of low grade fever. She is receiving an antibiotic, but no infection has been found.

Any input and personal experiences are welcome! Thank you!

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Earrings, hair color, and make up post transplant

by Nancy Shamanna on Mon Jan 02, 2017 11:02 am

Hello Gala,

I hope that your sister is feeling a bit better now, since she went through a very difficult time with the transplant so far.

When it comes to makeup, earrings and contact lenses, I would just be cautious for now. Could she try some scarves, necklaces, bracelets and other items that would be fashionable but not in any way putting her at risk for infection? Maybe a nice robe or shawl would help to cheer her spirits, since she has been in the hospital for awhile.

Hope that helps!

[Gala]

Re: Earrings, hair color, and make up post transplant

by Gala on Mon Jan 02, 2017 10:33 pm

Hi Nancy,

A shawl or robe is a wonderful idea! Thank you. Yes, you are right about not taking risks at this time, as there are other ways to go about looking more feminine and special.

My sister just did not think it was a risk to put on the earrings. Only when she put them on and it caused a bot of irritation, that she started worrying. We talked about it and decided to keep the earrings in the ears to avoid further irritation from taking them off. Hope nothing bad will happen. Too late now to reverse the decision. She certainly will not try anything else now that is remotely risky.

Her port got a bit infected and the needle has been temporarily removed from it. She is now kept in hospital at least until the port area heals. It's one thing after another. Some things improve, but other things happen that need attention.