How To Keep A Picc Line Dry In The Shower

When yous have a PICC line, life is already hard. Y'all have to remember to organize and prep your medication, prepare upward your nursing visits, and to have the time to do your infusions. As this wasn't enough, one of the biggest challenges becomes showering. Here are our 4 most commonly asked questions for showering with a PICC line answered by our very own professional person patient.

ane. why can't a PICC line get wet?

In One Word: Infection

A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, known as a PICC Line, is a long-term vascular access device that is deposited into the superior vena cava, a vein that carries blood to the eye. When a PICC line dressing gets wet, this allows for the spread of infection that has a directly access to the centre. Infection tin and then spread throughout the body.

2. what's better — bath or shower?

In Ane Word: Bath

A bath allows for more mobility and reduces the run a risk of h2o getting near the PICC Line insertion site. Information technology is of import to notwithstanding cover your line with a waterproof barrier, merely yous may detect yourself existence more comfortable in a bath. You can launder your hair and use a washcloth with reduced worry of water splattering. Y'all may need to enquire for help washing your pilus or getting out of the bath. Always check to see that your dressing is secure and dry after bathing.

3. what shower sleeve do you recommend?

In Ane Give-and-take: Ours

Later asking our customs what type of shower cover they were looking for, nosotros hit the drawing board and designed a comfy and more importantly, functional shower embrace. This PICC line protector for showering allows for flexibility of the arm without worrying about constricting the blood flow, which some other shower sleeves on the market may cause. Cheque them out here!

iv. what if my dressing gets wet?

In Ane Word: Help

Keeping your PICC line dry and water complimentary is key to keeping your PICC line safety, secure, and preventing infection or dislodgement. If your PICC line does become wet, immediately try to dry the expanse and call your domicile health nurse to schedule an emergency dressing alter or take a trained family member alter your dressing. The sooner your dressing is changed, the lower the risk of infection.

Note: This is an opinion piece. The to a higher place information contains some, but non necessarily all, of the data that y'all may need to care for your PICC line while showering. Please speak with your doc or nurse if you have questions or issues yous may experience. This document should not take the place of conversations with members of your healthcare team about your treatment and the furnishings yous may feel during and afterwards the use of a central line. If you experience whatever pregnant change in your wellness during or after treatment, contact a member of your health intendance squad right abroad.

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Emily Levy

Levy is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, disability advocate, and international public speaker. She co-founded Mighty Well, a medical technology startup based on her experience as a patient living with Lyme affliction and vascular access devices. Levy has designed and launched six patient wearables. Her original product, PICCPerfect, was given FDA approval equally a Class 1 device. In 2022, Emily co-authored the Ultimate Guide to PICCs with AVA to help amend patient outcomes. During the last ten years, she has had three PICCs, an implanted port, and numerous peripheral IVs for diverse infusion therapies. Under Mighty Well, she has co-created a digital eLearning platform for patients with vascular access. She has published innumerable manufactures on vascular access and patient advocacy topics. She frequently delivers keynote speeches at local, national, and international conferences on bug related to the patient perspective in health care, home infusion, and patient vascular admission care.

Source: https://blog.mighty-well.com/2017/02/most-common-questions-when-showering-with-a-picc/