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Fabrics and skin: choosing for sensitive skin

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some medicines can make skin dry, sensitive and easily irritated. Fabric choice affects how comfortable your skin feels.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Close-up of soft natural linen fabric
Figure 1.Soft natural fabrics are kind to the skin

01Short answer

Good choices: cotton, bamboo viscose and linen, which are soft and breathable. Synthetics and wool against bare skin can cause itching and sweating. Look for smooth flat seams and label-free collars. Wash new clothes before wearing them. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softeners and strong scents. Check your skin every day: redness, rash or changes around the catheter should be reported to your team. There may be special rules for the radiotherapy area.

02Simple explanation

Cotton, bamboo, linen.

Smooth seams.

New clothes: wash first.

Fragrance-free detergent.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: treatment can cause dry, irritated skin; soft fabrics and fragrance-free products protect it.

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

04What happens in the body?

Itching

Scratching damages skin and opens a door to infection.

Radiotherapy

Avoid tight clothing over the treated area.

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
ItchingScratching damages skin and opens a door to infection.
RadiotherapyAvoid tight clothing over the treated area.
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

Contact dermatitis
Skin irritation from contact.
Viscose
A fabric made from plant cellulose.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Soft fabric.
  • Fragrance-free.
  • Check your skin.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I wear synthetic sportswear?

Briefly, if your skin is not irritated.

I am itchy; what do I do?

Tell your team; do not apply creams on your own.

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 synthetic sportswear?

  2. I am itchy; what do I do?

  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. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Supporting Siblings as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
  6. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children With Cancer and Their Families: An Introduction to the Special Issue
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Family Caregivers in Cancer (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy Safety
  9. Cancer Research UK. Chemotherapy safety at home
  10. Macmillan Cancer Support. Supporting someone with cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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