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Psychology, family and everyday life

Clothing during treatment: comfortable, clean, practical

During treatment the skin is sensitive, temperature changes and there may be a catheter and drips. The right clothing adds comfort and lowers infection risk.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A stack of soft folded clothes in neutral colours
Figure 1.Soft, clean, comfortable clothes

01Short answer

Choose cotton or another soft, breathable fabric; a loose cut; tops that button or zip at the front for easy access to the catheter and drip; and layers to change when you feel cold or sweaty. Change clothes daily, and sooner if you sweat (“Sweat and clothing: dry and comfortable”). Belts, tight cuffs and rough seams should not press on the catheter or skin. Comfortable day clothes instead of pyjamas help keep a routine. Laundry is covered in “Laundry: clean and dry”.

02Simple explanation

Cotton, loose cut.

Front-opening tops.

Layers.

Change daily.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: treatment can cause skin sensitivity and temperature swings; comfortable clothing and cleanliness protect the skin.

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

04What happens in the body?

Catheter

Front-opening clothes make catheter care easier.

Sweat

Damp clothes irritate skin; change them.

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
CatheterFront-opening clothes make catheter care easier.
SweatDamp clothes irritate skin; change them.
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

Breathable fabric
A material that lets air and moisture through.
Layering
Several thin layers.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Soft fabric.
  • Easy opening.
  • Clean.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I wear pyjamas in the day?

Yes, but day clothes help your routine.

Is wool all right?

Only over a cotton layer.

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. Can I wear pyjamas in the day?

  2. Is wool all right?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2013. Fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review of quantitative studies
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families: Childhood Cancer
  7. American Cancer Society. Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
  8. Macmillan Cancer Support. Talking to children and teenagers
  9. BMJ, 2000. Telling children about a parent’s cancer
  10. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2020. How psychosocial interventions meet the needs of children of parents with cancer: A review and critical evaluation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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