Skin care prior to joint replacement surgery

It is important that your skin is in optimal condition prior to and after your joint replacement surgery. 

The skin is a natural barrier to bacteria and infection. Any breach to this natural barrier such as cuts, grazes or ulcers increase your risk of infection in your joint replacement. Cat scratches and dog bites are other ways your skin barrier can be compromised. Simple measures that you should adhere to are:

1. Washing the surgical site and your entire body with anti-septic soap such as chlorhexidine the night before and the morning of your surgery. You will be given this soap by our staff prior to your surgery.
2. Avoid shaving the surgical area for up to three days prior to surgery.
3. Do not put moisturising cream on your skin for three days prior to surgery as it can affect how we paint anti-septic liquid on your leg at surgery.
4. Avoid getting scratches and grazes to your leg in the weeks coming up to surgery (stay out of your garden!)
5. If you have psoriasis, please apply your treatment regularly to optimise the condition of your skin. If necessary, you may need to consult your general practitioner or dermatologist for treatment advice.
   

Don't shave the area in the 3 days preceding surgery.

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Wash your entire body with anti-septic soap the night before and the morning of your surgery.

Don't use moisturiser in the 3 days preceding surgery.

Don't sleep with pets the night before surgery.

Avoid scratches and grazes on your leg in the weeks before surgery.

Sleep on clean sheets the night before surgery.