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Psychology, family and everyday life

Headwear: protection and comfort

When hair falls out, the scalp becomes sensitive, burns in the sun and loses heat quickly in the cold. Headwear protects it and gives many people psychological comfort.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A soft hand-knitted hat
Figure 1.A soft hat protects the head and keeps it warm

01Short answer

Options: a soft cotton cap or beanie (at home and at night), a headscarf, or a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. Choose seamless or soft-seamed headwear that is not tight. In the sun you can also put sunscreen on the scalp; ask your team which one suits you. Wear a warm hat in the cold. Wash headwear often. If you choose a wig, wear a cotton liner under it and keep it clean. Whether to cover your head is your choice.

02Simple explanation

Soft cotton.

Sun: a hat.

Cold: a warm hat.

Wash often.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during hair loss it is advised to protect the scalp from sun and cold.

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

04What happens in the body?

Sun

Some medicines make skin sensitive to sunlight.

Wig

If a wig itches, a cotton liner helps.

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
SunSome medicines make skin sensitive to sunlight.
WigIf a wig itches, a cotton liner helps.
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

Photosensitivity
Skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Wig liner
A soft cap worn under a wig.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

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

09Frequently asked questions

Do I need a cap at night?

If your head feels cold, a thin cotton cap is comfortable.

When should I buy a wig?

It is easier to match the colour before hair falls out.

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. Do I need a cap at night?

  2. When should I buy a wig?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. American Cancer Society. How to Keep Your Home Clean When Living With Cancer
  7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
  8. NHS. Shortness of breath
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Breathlessness
  10. Cancer Research UK. Breathing problems with cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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