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Showering with a central line: clean body, dry line

You can and should wash with a central line, but the line and dressing must stay dry. Baths, pools and hot tubs are usually not allowed.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A hand-held shower head with water flowing
Figure 1.A hand-held shower keeps water away from the line

01Short answer

Before showering, cover the dressing with the waterproof cover your team recommends (“Keeping the catheter dry: what to use and how”). Use a handheld shower, aim the spray away from the line and turn your back to the water. Keep the shower short and the water warm. Afterwards, remove the cover gently and check the dressing; if it is wet or lifting, tell your team the same day. Avoid baths, pools, saunas and hot tubs unless your team allows them. Do not put cream or powder on the line site.

02Simple explanation

Cover first.

Handheld shower.

Baths, pools: no.

Wet: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

MedlinePlus: when showering with a central line, protect the dressing with a waterproof cover, and avoid baths and swimming unless your doctor allows them.

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

04What happens in the body?

A wet dressing

Makes it easier for germs to move from the skin to the line.

Port

Without an access needle in place, a port often allows a normal shower; ask your team.

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
A wet dressingMakes it easier for germs to move from the skin to the line.
PortWithout an access needle in place, a port often allows a normal shower; ask your team.
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

Waterproof cover
A protective sheet placed over the dressing.
Handheld shower
A shower head held in the hand.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Cover.
  • Shower briefly.
  • Check.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I wash my hair?

It can be easier separately, leaning over a sink.

Can I go swimming?

Usually not with a line; 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. How do I wash my hair?

  2. Can I go swimming?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheters - ports
  2. MedlinePlus. Peripherally inserted central catheter - flushing
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. Macmillan Cancer Support. Support with cancer and anxiety
  8. Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. Physical Activity When You Have Cancer
  10. Cancer Research UK. Exercise guidelines for people with cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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