Taking Care of Your Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) Catheter
Learn how to keep your catheter clean and working well for your dialysis.
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January 23, 2025
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Julie Dominguez, MD
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2 minutes
Your access is your lifeline. Follow these tips to clean and care for your PD catheter:
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Keep your catheter and exit site clean and dry.
- Once healed, shower daily if possible.
- Avoid swimming or baths unless allowed by your doctor.
- Check with your doctor before using powder, lotion, or creams.
- Always use proper hand hygiene and a new mask.
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Remove old dressings and tape with your hands. Avoid using scissors, razors, or sharp objects.
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Keep the end of your PD catheter capped and clamped for your safety.
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Check your tunnel and exit site each day for redness, drainage, tenderness, or swelling. Make sure the catheter cuff is not showing or coming out.
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Secure your catheter to your body to keep it from catching on clothes. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing and be careful with zippers.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.