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Towels: personal, dry and clean

A damp towel is a good home for germs. During neutropenia, a personal towel that is changed often is a simple but important protection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Rolled clean white towels
Figure 1.Personal, dry, clean towels

01Short answer

Everyone should have their own towel; tell them apart by colour. Keep separate towels for hands, body and face. After use, hang the towel spread out so it dries quickly; do not leave it damp in a heap. Change towels often (ask your team how often) and wash them at the hottest temperature the label allows, then dry them fully. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing, especially when platelets are low. Do not mix kitchen towels with hand towels; in public places, disposable paper towels are better.

02Simple explanation

Personal towel.

Hang it to dry.

Change often.

Do not rub: pat.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, good hygiene and not sharing personal items lower the risk of infection.

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

04What happens in the body?

Damp places

Bacteria and fungi multiply in moisture.

Sharing

A shared towel can pass germs on.

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
Damp placesBacteria and fungi multiply in moisture.
SharingA shared towel can pass germs on.
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

Neutropenia
A low neutrophil count.
Disposable towel
A paper towel used once.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Personal.
  • Dry.
  • Clean.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

A guest used my towel.

Wash it and take a fresh one for yourself.

Do I need paper towels at home?

They can help for hands; ask your team.

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. A guest used my towel.

  2. Do I need paper towels at home?

  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. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Women and Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Men and Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer-Related Post-traumatic Stress (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  9. American Cancer Society. Adjusting to Life With Cancer
  10. American Cancer Society. Mental Health and Distress
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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