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Psychology, family and everyday life

Low platelets: care in everyday life

Platelets help blood clot. When they are low, even a small injury can bleed for a long time and bruise. Simple changes at home lower the risk.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Two electric shavers side by side
Figure 1.With low platelets an electric shaver is safer

01Short answer

Use an electric shaver instead of a razor and an extra-soft toothbrush. Blow your nose gently. Talk to your team about preventing constipation, because straining can cause bleeding. Clear rugs and cables from the floor, use a night light and wear non-slip shoes. Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting. Take care with sharp tools and wear gloves in the garden. Aspirin and some painkillers affect platelets; take no medicine or herbal product without telling your team. Call at once for bleeding that will not stop, black stools, blood in the urine or a severe headache.

02Simple explanation

Electric shaver.

A home without falls.

Medicines: only with your team.

Bleeding: call.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: with thrombocytopenia, protecting yourself from injury, using a soft brush and an electric shaver, and avoiding aspirin are recommended.

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

04What happens in the body?

Clotting

Platelets plug a damaged blood vessel.

A clear floor
Figure 2.A clear floor — Low platelets: care in everyday life

Internal bleeding

Black stools and a severe headache can be warning signs.

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
ClottingPlatelets plug a damaged blood vessel.
Internal bleedingBlack stools and a severe headache can be warning signs.
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

Platelet
A blood cell fragment that helps clotting.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Protect.
  • Move slowly.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I exercise?

Gentle walking is often fine; choose the type with your team.

I need a painkiller.

Ask your team which one is safe.

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 exercise?

  2. I need a painkiller.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) 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. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2013. Fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review of quantitative studies
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families: Childhood Cancer
  8. American Cancer Society. Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
  9. Macmillan Cancer Support. Talking to children and teenagers
  10. BMJ, 2000. Telling children about a parent’s cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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