Prevent tracheostomy infection

Preventing infection with clean hands and supplies

Wash your hands.

Always wash your hands before and after any tracheostomy tube care.

Clean tracheostomy equipment.

Clean the equipment the way your medical supply company shows you.

Keep your neck clean and dry.

Change the gauze and tracheostomy ties when they are wet or dirty.

Keep your mouth clean.

Saliva and secretions have germs that cause infection if they get into your airway. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day.

Clean your home equipment.

Your medical supply company will teach you how to clean your equipment.

Keep hands clean.

Each person that comes into your home should wash their hands.

Taking care of your skin around the tracheostomy

Keep the skin around your stoma (neck opening) clean and dry. This will help prevent irritation and infection caused by secretions.

Skin should not have

• Sores 
• Redness 
• Drainage
• Odor

Clean your skin around the stoma with soap and water at least 2 times a day. Clean more often if there is drainage.

Supplies you will need

• Cotton-tipped applicator or washcloth
• Liquid soap
• Clean tap water

Steps to clean around your tracheostomy

1. Get the cotton-tipped applicator or washcloth wet with soapy tap water.
2. Clean the stoma and exposed outer cannula using a rolling motion to remove any drainage from the skin and outer cannula.
3. Rinse the stoma and exposed outer cannula with a wet cotton-tipped applicator or wet washcloth.
4. Dry the skin and exposed outer cannula with a dry cotton-tipped applicator or dry washcloth.
5. Place gauze under the ties next to the skin if you would like. Be sure to hold the tracheostomy tube while changing the gauze. Change the gauze if it becomes damp or dirty.