🧼How to Reduce the Risk of Infection
Infection after joint replacement is uncommon, but there are simple things you can do in the weeks and days before your operation that meaningfully reduce the risk. Small, consistent habits matter more than any single action.
In the weeks before surgery
Look after your skin — treat any cuts, scratches, insect bites or rashes promptly and let your team know if you have an open wound, ulcer or active skin infection near the operation site.
See your dentist for any known problems. Untreated dental infection can seed bacteria into the bloodstream around the time of surgery.
If you smoke, stopping — even a few weeks before — improves wound healing and lowers infection risk. Keep blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes.
The day before and the morning of surgery
Shower or bathe the evening before, and again on the morning of surgery. Use any antibacterial wash you have been given exactly as instructed — pay attention to the leg being operated on.
Put on clean clothes afterwards and sleep in clean bedding. Avoid shaving the operation site yourself — the hospital team will do this if needed.
Do not apply creams, lotions, make-up or nail polish, and remove jewellery and piercings before you come in.
After surgery
Follow the wound care advice given to you, keep the dressing clean and dry, and wash your hands before touching the area.
Contact your team promptly if the wound becomes red, swollen, hot, painful or starts to leak, or if you develop a fever.
Practical tips
- Treat your antibacterial body wash like a prescription — follow the instructions exactly.
- Tell your team about any new coughs, colds, urinary symptoms or skin problems in the week before surgery.
- Wash your hands often — one of the simplest and most effective things you can do.