Can you get a chest port wet? The essential guide to water safety

September 25, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated half a million central venous access ports, like chest ports, are placed annually in the United States, raising a common patient concern about daily activities such as bathing. It is crucial to understand the proper care protocol to prevent infection and other complications, so can you get a chest port wet?

Quick Summary

You must avoid getting the surgical site wet until the incision has completely healed, which typically takes 1–2 weeks, though specific timing depends on your doctor's instructions. Once the site is fully healed and no needle is in place, you can typically resume showering, bathing, and even swimming safely.

Key Points

Initial Healing: Avoid getting the port wet for 1–2 weeks after placement to prevent infection.
Healed and Unaccessed: You can typically shower, bathe, and swim normally once the surgical site is fully healed and no needle is present.
Accessed Port: Use a waterproof dressing when showering and avoid all forms of submersion when a needle is in your port.
Hygiene is Key: Always practice good hand hygiene when handling or checking the port area to minimize infection risk.
Watch for Signs of Infection: Be vigilant for redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or drainage and contact your doctor immediately if these occur.
Consult Your Doctor: Always follow your specific healthcare provider's instructions, as guidelines can vary.

Understanding Your Chest Port and Water Exposure

A chest port, or port-a-cath, is a small, implantable device used for long-term intravenous (IV) access. It consists of a silicone reservoir placed under the skin, most commonly in the chest, and a catheter that enters a large vein. While this device offers significant convenience for patients needing frequent blood draws or medication infusions, it introduces important considerations for daily care, especially regarding water exposure and infection prevention.

The Critical Healing Period Immediately After Placement

The immediate period following your port placement procedure is the most critical time for avoiding water exposure. The incision site, or access point, is a surgical wound and must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Infection at the port site is a serious complication that can lead to significant health risks and may require the port's removal. Most healthcare providers advise keeping the area completely dry for approximately 1–2 weeks, or until the incision has fully healed.

During this time, you should:

Take sponge baths instead of showers to avoid getting the incision wet.
Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools entirely.
Keep any dressings or bandages applied by your medical team completely dry.
Follow your doctor's specific timeline for when you can resume showering.

Life with a Healed, Unaccessed Chest Port

Once the surgical incision is fully healed and the port is not being actively used (unaccessed), the risk of water contamination significantly decreases. The port is completely under your skin, and the access septum is designed to prevent leaks. This means you can generally return to your normal water-related routines.

At this stage, you should be able to:

Take regular showers and baths without special precautions.
Enjoy swimming in clean pools or salt water, though you should always check with your healthcare team for specific guidelines, especially regarding swimming in fresh water.
Participate in other water-based activities.

What to Do When Your Port is Accessed

When your port is accessed with a special needle (a Huber needle) for an infusion or other treatment, the care instructions change. The needle creates an open pathway to the port, so preventing water exposure is essential to avoid infection.

Your medical team will place a dressing over the needle and port site. You must protect this dressing from getting wet. Some providers may approve showering with a waterproof cover, such as Aquaguard, covering the entire dressing. If the dressing becomes wet or loose, it must be changed immediately by a trained medical professional.

When your port is accessed:

Use a waterproof dressing cover for any showering.
Avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming, as these can easily soak the dressing.
Do not attempt to change the dressing yourself unless you have been specifically trained and instructed to do so by your medical team.

Comparison Table: Water Safety by Port Status


Activity	Post-Placement (First 1-2 Weeks)	Healed (Unaccessed)	Healed (Accessed)
Sponge Baths	Recommended	Safe	Safe
Showers	Avoid until approved. May cover incision with plastic wrap if permitted by doctor.	Safe (normal showering)	Must use waterproof cover over dressing; check with provider.
Baths & Soaking	Prohibited	Generally safe once incision is fully healed.	Prohibited (no submersion)
Swimming	Prohibited	Generally safe in clean water once healed.	Prohibited (no submersion)
Hot Tubs / Jacuzzis	Prohibited	Avoid due to high bacteria levels.	Prohibited

Potential Risks and How to Prevent Infection

The greatest risk associated with getting a chest port wet at the wrong time is infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the port site, drainage, or a fever.

To minimize risks:

Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions regarding your port. They may have different guidelines based on your health condition and the type of port you have. For comprehensive patient education, resources like the Cleveland Clinic offer valuable guidance.
Perform regular self-checks of the port site for any signs of infection. If you notice any issues, contact your medical team immediately.
Ensure proper hygiene. Even when the port is healed, practicing good hand hygiene is essential before and after touching the port area, especially if you are changing dressings or flushing the port at home.

Conclusion

Can you get a chest port wet? The answer depends on the status of your port. While strict avoidance is necessary during the initial healing period and when the port is accessed, a healed and unaccessed chest port allows for a return to normal water activities, including showering and swimming. The key to safe water exposure is clear communication with your healthcare team and vigilant adherence to their instructions to prevent complications and maintain your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not immediately. You must wait for the surgical site to fully heal, which usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, you will need to take sponge baths. Your doctor will give you the specific timeline and instructions for when you can safely start showering again.

You can go swimming once the surgical incision has completely healed and the port is not being accessed with a needle. It is best to wait for your doctor's confirmation and to prefer clean water sources like chlorinated pools or the ocean, and avoid fresh water like lakes and ponds.

If your port's dressing becomes wet, it must be changed immediately by a trained medical professional to prevent infection. If you have been trained for home care, follow your specific instructions for changing the wet dressing. Never ignore a damp dressing.

It is generally not recommended to use hot tubs or jacuzzis with a port, even if it is healed and unaccessed. These environments can harbor high levels of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Consult your doctor for their specific recommendation.

During the healing phase, take sponge baths. When showering with an accessed port, use a waterproof dressing cover, such as Aquaguard, to keep the site and needle dry. Once the port is healed and unaccessed, no special cover is needed for showering.

Yes, there are waterproof covers and specialized dressings available. Your medical team can provide you with or recommend a suitable waterproof cover, especially for showering while your port is accessed.

Once the initial incision has healed and you are not accessed, a chest port generally should not affect your long-term bathing or showering habits. You can return to your normal routine with no special precautions required.