If you swim with open or healing wounds with stitches then it can increase the chances of infection,
So you need to know how to keep stitches dry while swimming or showering.
If you got stitches because of some accident or surgery then you need to keep your stitches dry for at least 48 hours.
But if you have a dressing over your stitches then avoid getting wet because you don’t know whether that dressing is waterproof or not.
Some people say you can’t swim if you have stitches for at least 2 to 3 weeks,
But they actually don’t know the new innovative products in the market that can make your stitches or wound waterproof.
So you can keep stitches dry while swimming or showering.
Let’s get started.
Why Do You Need to Keep Stitches Dry While Swimming?
Depending on the type of stitches you have, you need to keep your stitches dry while swimming.
If your doctor gave you permission to swim with waterproof plasters, and bandages then you can swim but you need to keep your stitches dry.
Because when you enter into water with an open wound or healing wound then the microorganism in the water cause infection,
And spending a long time in water can also cause your skin to swell and when that happens then the healing of your wound becomes slow.
And you can even experience pain if you do not cover your healing wound and swim without keeping your stitches dry.
So it’s important for you to keep your stitches dry while swimming.
Also Read: Can You Swim With Stitches In Your Hand?
4 Ways to Keep Stitches Dry While Swimming
Although its recommended to keep your stitches and wounds away from water but there are some cool products on the market that can keep your stitches dry while swimming.
1. Waterproof And Transparent Wound Dressing Roll
One of the cool products that will keep your stitches dry while you swim is the transparent wound dressing roll.
This dressing roll is a flexible plastic that keeps the stitches or wound dry from water.
You can use this roll or strips anywhere on your body where you have your stitches.
Using this type of waterproof and transparent dressing roll is so easy because all you need to do is cut the strip depending on the size of your stitches.
After cutting the strip, place the strip on your wound and peel the hard plastic from the top which will uncover the transparent layer.
And once you take a shower or swim then you can tear off this layer from your skin without any pain.
And the best thing about these dressing roll strips is you can even keep an eye on your wound while you swim because they are transparent.
2. Waterproof Boot Patch
Some people also call this product “shower boot”.
These are some waterproof patches that you can apply to your stitches for keeping them dry.
These types of patches work best if you have stitches on your legs or thighs.
Using this patch is simple and easy, get the patches from their box and now place this patch on the top of your stitches.
You can fold the excess plastic and begin to wrap.
And when you are wrapping these patches make sure the top of your boot is covered.
After that squeeze them, then you can go swimming or shower.
3. Waterproof Plasters
These types of waterproof plasters are made from flexible and waterproof materials.
And the best thing about these waterproof plasters, they are transparent so you can keep an eye on the wound area.
These plasters are durable and breathable and your wound can continue to heal if you covered your wound or stitches with these types of plasters.
There are also some waterproof plasters that feature a wound pad with antiseptic silver.
So these plasters are one of the best options to keep your stitches dry and safe while swimming.
4. Waterproof Bandages
Just like waterproof plasters, there are also waterproof bandages on the market.
If you had an surgery or accident then you will get stitches on your skin with the dressing but you can remove the dressing after 3 to days with your doctor’s opinion.
And once you remove them then you can put some waterproof bandages on your wound.
Depending on the size of your stitches, cut the waterproof bandages.
Once you cut the bandages then you can see there are two sides to the bandages.
The first side is paper and the other side is plastic.
For applying these bandages, remove the paper layer on the top of the bandage.
And now, place these bandages on top of your stitches.
Once you placed the bandages on the top of your stitches then you can remove the other side’s plastic baking from the top too.
After that, you can take a shower or go swimming.
How long after stitches should you not swim?
Nearly all doctors recommend waiting for 2 to 3 weeks before the wound heals and stitches dissolve.
Again this also depends on the type of stitches you have.
There are two types of stitches, permanent stitches which need to be removed by doctors in 7 to 9 days.
And another type is dissolvable stitches which will be dissolved in your skin.
And dissolvable stitches can take more time.
You need to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks for your wound to completely heal and then you can go swimming.
But if you have some cool waterproof product then you can go for a swim with your stitches after 7 days.
But make sure you keep your stitches dry when swimming and showering.
When Not to Swim with Your Stiches?
It’s also important for you to know when you can’t swim with your stitches.
If the injury is big and large then it can become difficult to keep them dry while swimming.
Because you can cover small injuries and stitches with some waterproof bandages, plasters, and patches.
But if the injury is large then you can use transparent plasters and dressing rolls.
Make sure you consult your doctor before you go swimming.
Final Words
Even though there are some cool products that can keep your stitches dry and safe from water,
But you should always consult your doctor if you are swimming with your wound healing.
Because if you do any small mistake then it can damage your wound more.
And always make sure you know the proper technique to use those products.
Always keep an eye on your wound when you are swimming with stitches.
If you have any questions regarding keeping stitches dry while swimming then you can ask them in the comment section of this article.
