Tips for cleanliness

[murf]

I am about to have the operation for my catheter. I then start training for PD. In the information that I have read so far, all stress to keep the exit site clean. Does anyone have any special tips in this regard apart from the obvious to keep the site clean when you shower and washing your hands?

[paul.karen]

After my operation i kept the bandages on for about 4 days.  I never saw the (spot) until i went to see a nurse who cleaned it.  I was never given anything to put on the exit site.  After i saw the nurse i was allowed to shower. 

I keep my bandage on it is about 4x6 in the shower.  The last thing i do after cleaning myself is to take the bandage off and use antiseptic soap to clean the exit site and around it.  Let the shower wash the soap away and then let the whole area air dry for about 15 minutes.  Then i put new bandage on it and repeat daily.

Good luck,  it is pretty routine after the first week.

[Hanify]

Just do what your team tells you.  Over here we're told to shower with it uncovered, and we never ever actually touch the exit site at all with anything.  SO I shower, clean around it if there'[s marks from the sticky tape stuff, then I cover it again.  Very simple.

[*kana*]

Don't use bar soap around your exit site.  Use liquid soap.  I apply antibiotic ointment about once a week, shower with it unbandaged, don't touch it unless I am cleaning around it, blot it dry with toilet paper before putting on the bandage.  I've only had one start of an infection because I taped it down too tight and it irritated it.  You will be fine if you do everything they tell you.