Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by ClinicNearMe
Summer is in full swing, meaning pool days are upon us! It means time spent outdoors with family and friends and cuts and scrapes while swimming. You should take extra care when swimming if your wound hasn’t completely healed.
Swimming with an open wound can cause a cut to reopen, slowing the healing process, especially if exposed to water. An injury can also become infected due to bacteria present in the water. Chemicals in pools, even those with chlorine, can damage wounds.
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or are just starting to dip your toes in, it’s important to know how to waterproof a wound so you can stay safe and have fun. There are a few different ways; how to waterproof a wound for swimming.
Let’s discuss each!
Also check: How To Waterproof a Tattoo For Swimming
Why Is It Important to Cover Wounds While Swimming?
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of open wounds. If you have a cut or scrape, it’s important to keep it covered when swimming. Otherwise, you risk infecting the wound with bacteria from the water. It can lead to serious infections, so it’s best to avoid caution and keep your injuries covered.
Covering wounds when swimming is important for several reasons:
1. There is a risk of infection from bacteria in the water.
2. Infections can be serious and lead to complications swimming with open wounds.
3. Cuts heal faster when kept from water, so they don’t get worse.
4. There is an increased risk of contamination in water bodies with open wounds, especially in pools, where people use them frequently.
5. It is best to err on caution and keep wounds covered.
If you have a cut or scrape, keep it covered when swimming. It will help prevent infection and ensure you heal quickly and safely. A nearby walk-in clinic might be able to assist you if the situation becomes worse.
Can You Swim With a Wound? Things to Consider
There are a few things to consider before you take a dip in the pool or ocean if you have an open wound. Before diving in, keep these things in mind:
What is the wound age?
The more a wound occurs, the more vulnerable it will be to damage. For more information about how long to wait before swimming with your type of wound, consult a doctor.
Water type?
The presence of clean pools and natural bodies of water can lead to open wounds becoming infected. Swimming pools contain chemicals that can irritate or damage injuries, and natural bodies of water often have bacteria that can cause infection.
What is the duration of your swim?
You should avoid swimming with an exposed wound for as long as possible. Consider your swimming time before getting in the water.
You should take these steps before swimming with a fresh wound in mind. You should always dress a wound properly, regardless of your situation.
The Best Way to Waterproof a Wound Before Swimming
The most important thing you need to waterproof a wound for swimming is waterproof bandages or tape. This layer on your skin will help prevent water from getting into your cut and irritating it.
If you’re wondering, do waterproof bandages work for swimming? The answer is YES! Waterproof bandages or tape are preferable over petroleum jelly when protecting open wounds while submerged in chlorinated pools. Unlike petroleum jelly, it is because they don’t become gummy if exposed to water for long periods.
If you have a wound, here is how you may cover this:
How To Waterproof a Wound For Swimming Using Waterproof Tape/Bandages
Waterproof bandages and tape are essential for keeping a wound clean and dry. They also prevent further irritation and protect the damage from contamination. It is important to change the bandage regularly, at least once a day, and to keep the wound clean and dry. If the dressing gets wet, you should change it as soon as possible. The Curad waterproof bandages have an ultra-thin polyurethane backing that is breathable and lightweight. Despite being waterproof, these bandages hold up even in the most active environments. Plus, the heavy-duty construction ensures that they won’t tear or come loose, no matter what.
Water will be coming into direct contact with the wound, so wear wicking clothing instead of cotton. Unlike cotton, nylon or polyester fabrics transfer sweat away from the skin to keep it dry; cotton absorbs moisture.
You should immediately flush chlorine pool water off an open cut on your body after swimming and then dry it thoroughly. DrySee waterproof bandages are perfect for wound care, tattoos, and post-surgical needs. They are comfortable to wear and allow your skin to breathe while protecting your wound from water and bacteria. The bandages are also easy to apply and remove and come in various sizes to fit your needs.
How can a Waterproof Plaster be Used?
1. Clean your wound before applying the plaster to avoid any other contaminants getting into it. Pat dry with a paper towel or cotton wool after cleaning;
2. Do not rub the area dry, as this can irritate.
3. Apply an even layer of antiseptic cream over the entire surface (not just around the edge) where you intend to place your plaster.
4. Leave about half an inch between this and healthy skin surrounding your injury – otherwise, there is a risk that bacteria may spread across larger areas causing infection in more than one part of your body at once.
5. Apply the plaster following the instructions on the packet. Cut the dressing to size with clean scissors before removing the backing paper.
6. You should smooth down the edges of the plaster so that it sticks firmly to your skin.
7. Check the plaster regularly and replace it if it becomes loose or wet.
The above steps are essential when using a waterproof plaster. Make sure to follow them carefully to avoid any complications.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on spending time in the water, it’s important to know how to waterproof a wound. Waterproofing is essential to keeping the damage clean and free of infection. There are a few different ways; how to waterproof a wound for swimming, but the most important thing is to ensure that the injury is completely dry before applying any waterproofing product.