The Ultimate Guide to Showering With a Feeding Tube - Dealing With Disability (2024)

February 5-9, 2024 is Feeding Tube Awareness Week.

I’ve had a feeding tube for over a year now. As such, I am using this Feeding Tube Awareness Week to cover what I have learnt so far in a 10-part series. This is Part 8.

Here are links to the full series:

1. Introduction to Feeding Tube Awareness Week
2. History of Feeding Tubes
3. The Different Types of Feeding Tubes and How to Place Them
4. What Kind of Illnesses Might Need a Feeding Tube?
5. How Do I Know If I Need a Feeding Tube and How To Get One?
6. What Essential Supplies Do I Need for Tube Feeding?
7. How To Make Tube Feeding Easier?
8. The Ultimate Guide to Showering With a Feeding Tube
9. How to Reduce Stigma Around Feeding Tubes
10. My Best Tips for Tube Feeding

Showering with a feeding tube requires some additional care to ensure that the tube site remains clean and dry. My number one tip for showering with a feeding tube is to just be careful.

I know some people with nasal feeding tubes who wash their hair over a bowl or sink rather than in the shower. Some of them do it alone, while others have someone else wash their hair for them. Some people use dry shampoo and then carefully wash their hair once a week.

Overall, I’ve found it much easier to shower with an abdominal tube rather than one on my face, but both are quite straight-forward once you figure out what works best for you.

(***Just to note: these tips do not apply to those on TPN (total parenteral nutrition). Those on TPN cannot get their dressings wet.)

Here are steps you can follow to safely shower with a feeding tube:

Firstly, these tips are primarily for those with feeding tubes that were placed via incision in their abdomen and have a wound site. In this case, we need to balance protecting the wound site with keeping it clean.

When showering, you have two options. One is to cover the wound site so that it doesn’t get wet. The other is to leave it open so that you can wash it in the shower. For the first few weeks after surgery, you may want to avoid spraying water on it in the shower, and rather just clean it gently with a syringe of water. Later, once the wound has healed a bit more, it’s usually easiest to just wash it in the shower.

1. Waterproof Dressing:

Some people cover the tube site with a waterproof dressing or transparent film dressing before showering. These dressings are designed to protect the site from water, allowing you to shower without the risk of infection or irritation. I don’t do this as I find it easiest to wash my wound site in the shower, so I want it uncovered.

2. Secure the Tube:

Use a tube holder, gentle wrap. Or medical tape to secure the tubing close to your body. This helps prevent the tube from moving or getting caught during the shower.

3. Avoid Direct Spray:

If you’re covering your tube, direct the water spray away from the tube site to minimize the risk of water getting into the dressing.

If you’re washing the wound, position yourself so that the water is not hitting the tube directly. I aim the water to hit just above the tube, so that it still gets clean but is less intense and painful.

4. Quick Showers:

Consider taking shorter showers to minimize the exposure of the tube site to water. Prolonged exposure to moisture can potentially lead to irritation.

5. Use a Handheld Shower Head:

If available, use a handheld showerhead to have more control over the water direction. This can help you avoid getting water directly on the tube site. This is what I did for the first few months when I had extreme pain at the wound site, so I could easily avoid all the parts that hurt the most.

6. Be Mindful of Temperature:

Normally, I like showering in boiling hot water. But sadly that is not ideal for a wound site. Excessive heat can lead to increased blood flow, potentially causing irritation around the tube site. Instead, aim for warm water that’s a comfortable temperature.

7. Don’t Rub it Dry:

After showering, pat the tube site dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing the area, as this may cause irritation. I just let the site air dry, and then I leave it uncovered for as long as possible to allow it to air out.

8. Inspect the Site:

Take a moment to inspect the tube site after showering. Ensure there are no signs of infection, redness, or irritation. If it was covered, make sure the dressing is still intact. You may have granulated tissue that emerges from the tract. No one warned me about this, and it initially really freaked me out. Once the granulation came out of the tract a few months later, my pain subsided a bit. I still have some granulated tissue that sometimes randomly starts bleeding or hurting. If you have a lot, you can ask your doctor about options to get it removed.

9. Consider a Shower Chair:

If you have mobility challenges or feel unsteady while showering, consider using a shower chair to make the process safer and more comfortable. For the first few months, I was so tired and in so much pain all the time that I had to shower sitting down. The first few weeks I only showered with someone else in the bathroom with me or in the room next to me because I was scared of passing out.

11. Keep Extra Dressings Handy:

Have extra waterproof dressings on hand in case the dressing gets wet or needs to be replaced after showering.

12. Use a Protective Cover:

In addition to dressings, some individuals find it helpful to use specialized covers or sleeves designed to protect the tube site during water exposure.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team regarding tube care, showering, and dressing changes. If you have any concerns or experience changes around the tube site, contact your health team immediately for guidance and assessment, especially if you suspect that it is infected.

Related