Mobile IV infusions of vitamins, minerals, and other supplements have become rather popular, helping people with nutritional deficiencies while allowing them to be at home instead of going to a clinic. The experience can be very relaxing and pleasant. But anyone who gets one of these IVs has to remember that they are actual intravenous drips that are inserted into a vein, so when the cannula—the section that actually rests in your vein as the infusion is delivered—is removed, you have to care for the site to ensure it heals well. But as uncomfortable as this can sound, it's not that hard to care for the site at all.

Treat the Site Like You Would Medical IV Placement

There's nothing special that you have to do to care for one of the infusion IV sites as compared to a medical IV site; you'd follow the same procedure for both. The nurse administering the IV should place a bandage over the site after removing the cannula, and your arm may feel a bit tender afterward. That's normal. Keep the bandage on for a while and keep the site clean. Unless the nurse tells you otherwise, you should be able to shower as usual later that day, but do treat your arm with a little extra care. Your arm is fine! It's just had this cannula in it, and you may feel a bit better taking it easy.

A Bruise Is Common—Don't Be Alarmed!

If you're one of those for whom finding a vein is not easy, and the nurse has to try to place the needle and cannula multiple times, you may experience slight bruising at the site. This is very common, and while it might not look pleasant, it will heal. Having a slight bruise at the cannula site is not something to worry about. However, if the bruise becomes large or hurts more than a bruise usually does for you, you should call your doctor.

If You Notice Irritation

A properly inserted and removed IV should not be irritating, and the site, if cared for well, should not develop an infection. That being said, anyone faces that risk, so keep an eye on the site for a few days after the infusion. If the area around where the IV was becomes red, painful, or abnormal in any other way, contact your doctor immediately.

Mobile IV infusions are straightforward, as is post-infusion care of your arm. But it's best to take care and treat the site very well in the days after the infusion. You'll quickly become familiar with what your arm looks like when it's healing properly.  

For more information, contact a local company like Minnesota IV Hydration and Wellness LLC.