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Questions and answers

Showering with a catheter

If you have a central venous line (a PICC, port or tunnelled line), you can shower, but keeping the line dry is important.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A waterproof cover
Figure 1.A waterproof cover — Showering with a catheter

01Short answer

A central line is a direct route into the blood, and water and germs around it raise the risk of infection. So before showering, protect the dressing with a special waterproof cover or film, do not aim water straight at the line, and keep the shower short. Never submerge the line: avoid baths, pools and the sea. After showering, check the dressing is dry and intact; if it got wet, tell your team. If a port is fully under the skin with no needle in place, the rules may be different.

02Simple explanation

A line is like an open door into the blood; keep it dry and clean.

A waterproof cover is the simplest protection.

03Scientific explanation

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are most often caused by skin germs; an intact dressing and sterile care are the main prevention.

Dressing changes and flushes are done only by a trained person on a set schedule.

04What happens in the body?

Before the shower

Wash your hands. Put a waterproof cover over the dressing. The outer ends of the line should be capped and secured.

During the shower

Keep the line side away from the water, have a short warm shower and do not lather near the line.

A dry, intact dressing
Figure 2.A dry, intact dressing

After the shower

Remove the cover carefully and check the dressing. A damp, loose or dirty dressing must be changed promptly; tell your team.

A PICC catheter
Figure 3.A PICC catheter — Showering with a catheter

05Showering with a line

Four steps.

Ask the rules — Your team’s instructions.1Ask the rulesYour team’s instructions.
Cover the dressing — A waterproof sleeve.2Cover the dressingA waterproof sleeve.
A short shower — No water on the line.3A short showerNo water on the line.
Check it is dry — If damp, report it.4Check it is dryIf damp, report it.
Infection protectionA dry dressing lowers risk.
Comfortable hygieneStaying clean is possible.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Before the showerWash your hands. Put a waterproof cover over the dressing. The outer ends of the line should be capped and secured.
During the showerKeep the line side away from the water, have a short warm shower and do not lather near the line.
After the showerRemove the cover carefully and check the dressing. A damp, loose or dirty dressing must be changed promptly; tell your team.

07Key terms

PICC
A central line inserted through the arm.
Port
A vein access device placed under the skin.
CLABSI
A bloodstream infection linked to a central line.

08Key points

  • You can shower with a line, with protection.
  • The dressing must stay dry.
  • Never submerge the line.
  • Call at once if there are warning signs.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I go swimming?

Usually not with a line.

Can I change the dressing myself?

Only if you have been trained and your team allows it.

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 go swimming?

  2. Can I change the dressing myself?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Central venous catheters - ports
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Peripherally inserted central catheter - dressing change
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: blast
  6. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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