Exit-site care

Exit-site care
The exit-site is the place where the PD catheter comes out of your skin.
Daily exit-site care can help avoid catheter infection.
What you need:
• Antibacterial soap
• Clean wash cloth
• Clean towel
• Gauze swab or cotton tip
• Recommended antibiotic cream
• Clean gauze dressing
• Clean disposable towel
• Tape
• Face mask
Before you start:
• Gather supplies
• Wash and dry hands
• Carefully remove old dressing
• Keep catheter and transfer set taped to skin

Inspection
- Notify your healthcare team if your exit-site is red, painful, swollen, or draining.
Check your exit-site and the area around it. Feel the area around the catheter and check catheter for cracks, slits or tiny holes
Cleaning
• Clean gently around the exit-site with a clean wash cloth and antibacterial soap
• Start cleaning close to the exit-site and move out from the exit-site using a circular motion
• Rinse well
• Gently and thoroughly pat the exit-site dry with a clean towel or facecloth
Apply cream and secure catheter
• If your center recommends it, apply a small amount of the recommended antibiotic cream around the exit-site using a cotton swab
• Apply a clean dressing and tape securely in place
• Make sure the catheter is securely taped to your skin. Apply new tape if needed.
Always do exit-site care exactly as you have been taught every time. Repeat exit-site care if the exit-site becomes wet or dirty.