Can patients with a vascular catheter (vascath) shower?

Can Patients with a Vascular Catheter Shower?

Yes, patients with a vascular catheter can shower, but only if precautions are taken to protect the catheter and connecting device with an impermeable cover to prevent water exposure and reduce the risk of introducing organisms into the catheter. 1

Key Requirement for Showering

• The catheter and connecting device must be protected with an impermeable waterproof cover during the shower to reduce the likelihood of introducing organisms into the catheter 1
• The catheter site and connections should never be submerged in water under any circumstances 1, 2

Rationale Behind This Recommendation

The CDC guidelines (published in both 2002 and updated in 2011 in Clinical Infectious Diseases) consistently state that while submersion is prohibited, showering is permissible with appropriate protective measures 1. This distinction exists because:

• Water exposure can introduce pathogens at the insertion site and along catheter connections 1
• Moisture compromises dressing integrity and creates an environment conducive to bacterial colonization 1
• Protected showering allows patients to maintain hygiene without significantly increasing infection risk 1

Practical Implementation

Dressing management during showering:

• If using gauze dressings, replace them every 2 days or immediately if they become damp, loosened, or visibly soiled 1, 2
• If using transparent semi-permeable dressings, replace them at least every 7 days, or immediately if compromised 1, 2
• Any dressing that becomes wet during showering must be changed immediately using aseptic technique 1

Additional protective measures:

• Use commercial waterproof catheter covers or create an impermeable barrier with plastic wrap secured with waterproof tape 1
• Inspect the dressing and catheter site immediately after showering for any signs of moisture penetration 2
• If moisture is detected under the protective covering, change the dressing immediately 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never allow the patient to take baths or submerge the catheter in water, as this dramatically increases infection risk compared to showering 1, 2
• Do not assume that a transparent dressing alone provides adequate water protection—an additional impermeable cover is required 1
• Avoid prolonged shower exposure even with protective covering, as this increases the risk of moisture penetration 1