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Psychology, family and everyday life

Showering with a bleeding risk: safe and gentle

When platelets are low, a fall in a wet bathroom or rubbing the skin can cause bleeding and bruising. A few simple aids make showering safe.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A soft natural sponge on a towel
Figure 1.Don't scrub — use a soft sponge

01Short answer

Use a non-slip mat, a grab bar and a shower chair. Keep the water warm, not hot, as hot water can make you dizzy. Use a soft sponge and unscented soap; no rough mitts or stiff brushes. Pat your skin dry without rubbing. Do not shave with a razor. If you feel weak, shower when someone is at home and do not lock the door. Stand up slowly afterwards. Tell your team about new bruises, a pinpoint rash or bleeding.

02Simple explanation

Non-slip mat.

Warm water.

Soft sponge.

Stand up slowly.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: with thrombocytopenia, protecting yourself from falls and injury and gentle skin care 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?

Fall risk

Anaemia and weakness increase dizziness.

Skin

Friction can cause small bleeds under the skin.

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
Fall riskAnaemia and weakness increase dizziness.
SkinFriction can cause small bleeds under the skin.
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

Shower chair
A seat for washing while sitting.
Grab bar
A support fixed to the wall.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Sit.
  • Wash gently.
  • Rise slowly.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I take a bath?

Ask your team; there may be special rules if you have a catheter.

I felt dizzy.

Sit down, call for help and tell 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. Can I take a bath?

  2. I felt dizzy.

  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. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2020. How psychosocial interventions meet the needs of children of parents with cancer: A review and critical evaluation
  7. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Supporting Siblings as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
  8. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children With Cancer and Their Families: An Introduction to the Special Issue
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Family Caregivers in Cancer (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  10. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy Safety
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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