Catheter care involves cleaning and maintaining a catheter, which is a medical device used to drain urine from the bladder when a person is unable to urinate on their own or for various medical reasons. There are two main types of catheters: indwelling and intermittent. Indwelling catheters are inserted into the bladder and remain in place, while intermittent catheters are used once and then thrown away. Proper catheter care is important to prevent infections and other complications. Here are some general guidelines for catheter care:

• Wash your hands: Before touching the catheter or the area around it, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Clean the area around the catheter: Use mild soap and water to clean the skin around the catheter and the tube itself. Be sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails.

• Empty the collection bag: If you have an indwelling catheter, you will need to empty the collection bag regularly to prevent it from becoming too full. Leg bags and valves should be changed every 7 days.

• Avoid physical activity: After a catheter is placed in your bladder, avoid physical activity for a week or two.

• Make catheter and skin care part of your daily routine: Catheter and skin care should be part of your daily routine to prevent infections and other complications.

If you have an indwelling catheter, you will also need to know how to clean the tube and the area where it attaches to your body to prevent infection or skin irritation. You should make sure your catheter is working properly and ask your healthcare provider if you may take a shower with the catheter in place. If you experience any problems or have questions about catheter care, contact your healthcare provider.