Psychology, family and everyday life

Showering and bathing: daily cleanliness

During neutropenia a daily shower reduces germs on the skin and protects against infection. It needs to be done in a way that protects the skin and any catheter.

Last updated: 14 October 2026~1 min read

A stainless steel shower head on a white tiled wall — **Figure 1.**A warm shower every day

01Short answer

Take a short, warm shower every day; very hot water dries the skin and can cause dizziness. A shower is safer than a bath; if you have a bath, clean the tub well beforehand. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap (“Choosing soap: mild, fragrance-free, ordinary”). Wash the armpits, groin, skin folds and feet with particular care. Do not use loofahs or rough mitts, which scratch the skin; use your hand or a soft cloth that is washed often. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. With a central catheter, protect it from water (“Showering with a central line: clean body, dry line” and “Keeping the catheter dry: what to use and how”). If you are weak, use a shower chair and have someone at home.

02Simple explanation

Daily, short, warm.

A shower, not a bath.

No loofah: a soft cloth.

Catheter: dry.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, a daily shower and personal hygiene help reduce infection risk.

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

04What happens in the body?

Skin folds

Fungi can grow in damp folds; dry them well.

Shower chair

Prevents falls with weakness or dizziness.

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.

1WashHands and personal hygiene.

2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.

3CheckTemperature and skin.

4ReportTell your team about changes.

HygieneClean hands.

TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.

ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

Topic	In brief
Skin folds	Fungi can grow in damp folds; dry them well.
Shower chair	Prevents falls with weakness or dizziness.
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.

07Key terms

Central venous catheter: A long-term tube in a large vein.
Loofah: A rough washing sponge.
ANC: Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia: A low platelet count.

08Key points

Shower daily.
Warm water.
Pat dry.
Wash your hands.
38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I shower with a fever?

Call your team first; see “Showering with a fever: call first, then wash”.

Swimming pools and saunas?

Not during neutropenia or with a catheter; ask.

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.

Can I shower with a fever?
Swimming pools and saunas?
What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. How To Use Your Incentive Spirometer
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know
World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
National Cancer Institute. Self-Image and Sexuality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows
NHS. Cuts and grazes

Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Last updated: 14 October 2026← Back to the list

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