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.

• Antibacterial soap

• Clean wash cloth

• Clean towel

• Gauze swab or cotton tip

• Recommended antibiotic cream

• Clean gauze dressing

• Clean disposable towel

• Tape

• Face mask

• Gather supplies

• Wash and dry hands

• Carefully remove old dressing

• Keep catheter and transfer set taped to skin

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

• 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

• 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.

Patient