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Psychology, family and everyday life

Sweat and clothing: dry and comfortable

Fevers, night sweats, some medicines and hormonal changes can cause heavy sweating. Damp clothing irritates the skin and, during neutropenia, suits germs.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A woman in pyjamas resting on a bed
Figure 1.Change into dry pyjamas after sweating

01Short answer

Choose cotton and other breathable fabrics in thin layers you can take off. Keep spare pyjamas and a towel by the bed and change when damp. Wash sweaty skin with warm water and pat it dry, taking particular care in skin folds (armpits, groin, under the breasts). Air the room and use a light duvet. Drink water. If you have a line, tell your team if sweat has soaked the dressing. Always tell your team about new night sweats, especially with a temperature.

02Simple explanation

Cotton, layers.

Damp: change.

Keep folds dry.

Night sweats: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: sweating can be a sign of fever and infection; keeping skin clean and dry helps prevent skin problems.

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

04What happens in the body?

Maceration

Skin that stays damp softens and breaks down.

Night sweats

Can be a sign of leukaemia or infection.

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
MacerationSkin that stays damp softens and breaks down.
Night sweatsCan be a sign of leukaemia or infection.
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

Breathable fabric
Fabric that lets air and moisture through.
Maceration
Softening of the skin from moisture.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Dress.
  • Change.
  • Report.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I use deodorant?

Often a mild unscented one; ask your team during radiotherapy.

I sweat every night.

Tell your team; the cause needs looking into.

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 use deodorant?

  2. I sweat every night.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Skin and Nail Changes during 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. Macmillan Cancer Support. Talking to children and teenagers
  7. BMJ, 2000. Telling children about a parent’s cancer
  8. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2020. How psychosocial interventions meet the needs of children of parents with cancer: A review and critical evaluation
  9. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Supporting Siblings as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology
  10. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 2015. Standards for the Psychosocial Care of Children With Cancer and Their Families: An Introduction to the Special Issue
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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