This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from your doctor, nurse, or infusion team about caring for your PICC line.
If you have a PICC line, showering can feel stressful. You've been told to keep the site clean and dry, but you still want to feel fresh. A waterproof cover is one of the most common tools people use to make showering easier. Here's what to know.
Why keeping a PICC line dry matters
A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line sits in a vein and is usually covered by a dressing. Moisture around the site and dressing can loosen the dressing and increase the risk of irritation or infection, which is why care teams emphasize keeping it dry. Your team will tell you exactly what's appropriate for your situation.
Ways people protect a PICC line in the shower
- Plastic wrap and tape: a makeshift option that some people use, but it can be fiddly, may not seal well, and is wasteful.
- Disposable covers: convenient for travel, but you'll need a fresh one every time.
- Reusable waterproof sleeves: a durable sleeve you can use again and again, often with a sealed cuff at the top and bottom.
What to look for in a waterproof PICC line cover
A secure, comfortable seal
The seal at the top of the cover is the most important part. It should fit snugly without squeezing, so you keep water out while staying comfortable. Adjustable or stretchy seals help different arm sizes.
Right size and length
Most PICC lines are placed in the upper arm, so a longer sleeve that covers the full dressing area works better than a short one. Measure your arm and compare it to the product's dimensions before you buy.
Reusable and easy to clean
A reusable cover saves money if you'll need it for weeks or months of treatment. Look for one that rinses clean and dries fast.
Works with casts and other dressings
Some covers are designed to protect both PICC lines and casts, which is useful if you're managing more than one thing.
Shower tips that make it easier
- Put the cover on before you turn the water on, and make sure the seal is smooth.
- Keep your arm pointed away from the direct stream of the shower head.
- Consider a handheld shower head so you can control where water goes.
- Check the dressing and inside of the cover when you finish. If there is any moisture, contact your care team for next steps.
- Dry the outside of the cover before removing it so no water drips onto the dressing.
Questions to ask your care team
- Is a waterproof cover okay for my dressing type?
- How long can I be in the shower?
- What should I do if the dressing gets wet?
- Are baths, pools, or hot tubs off the table?
PICC, IV and other arm sites: what a sleeve can and cannot cover
Upper-arm waterproof sleeves are made to go over an arm dressing, which is where a PICC line and many IV sites sit. Whether one works for you depends on where your line or site is, how long the dressing area is, and what your care team allows. Always ask before showering with an IV or any other device in place.
Can a waterproof sleeve go over an IV site?
Often, yes, if the IV is on the upper arm or forearm and the sleeve is long enough to seal above the dressing without squeezing. Ask your nurse first, since some IVs and dressings need extra care.
What about a wearable sensor, like a glucose monitor, on my arm?
Many wearable sensors are made to be worn in the shower, so you may not need a cover at all. Check the manufacturer's instructions and ask your care team before covering one, since a tight sleeve could press on the device or its adhesive.
What size is a reusable upper-arm sleeve?
Ours measures 37 x 20 cm, with stretchy, self-sealing openings designed to fit a range of arm sizes. Measure your arm and compare it to the dimensions before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with a PICC line at all?
Many people do, with protection. Your care team decides what's safe for you.
Can I swim with a PICC line cover?
Most care teams advise against submerging a PICC line. Ask before assuming any cover is suitable for swimming.
Does a cover replace my dressing?
No. A cover sits over your dressing to keep water out. It does not replace it.
Looking for a reusable option?
Our reusable waterproof PICC line and cast cover is a 37 x 20 cm sleeve designed for the upper arm.