It’s not uncommon to get stitches on your hand during any accidents or surgery.

But the main question here is “Can you swim with stitches in your hand?

Lots of experts say, 7 Days would be enough for a wound on your hand to heal so you can go swimming after 7 days.

But it also depends on how deep your wound is and the type of stitches you have.

Don’t worry, we will tell you exactly how you can even swim with stitches in your hand and what you can do if you accidentally wet your wound.

There are lots of questions that we will cover in this article.

Table Of Contents

How Soon Can I Swim With Stitches In My Hand?

Generally when your stitches have been removed or dissolved and your wound is completely healed then the risk of infection can be decreased.

But usually, stitches in your hand can be removed in 14 days.

So if you have stitches in your hand then as long as the 14 days haven’t been completed, you should not go swimming.

Usually, it also depends on the type of stitches you have in your hand.

There are main two types of stitches.

  1. Permanent stitches- these types of stitches are strong and need to be removed by doctors in 7 to 10 days.
  2. Absorbable Stitches– These types of stitches can dissolve by your body over time and these types of stitches can take a long time to dissolve and heal.

Also Read: Can Swimming Pools Cause UTI?

Can you Swim With Stitches in Your Hand?

Depending on the type of stitches you have in your hand, you should wait at least 14 days for the wound to heal properly.

Because if you do not wait until your wound fully recovers then germs and bacteria can directly enter your body.

And once the 14 days are completed, you need to know how you can swim after 14 days are completed.

How to Swim with Stiches In Your Hand Safety 

Once the 14 days are completed and your wound or stitches has been removed then you can swim in your pool.

But there are some precautions you can take while swimming with stitches in your hand.

It’s good to cover the stitches for protecting your wound against the bacteria and the chemicals from the pool.

If you have small stitches in your hand then bandages can do the job.

You can keep the wound clean with an antibacterial spray or dry the area with a clean cloth.

If you have bigger stitches then you can use waterproof plasters.

Waterproof plasters are transparent and flexible, they are also durable, breathable, and heal your wound quickly.

In the initial time, make sure you swim for a short amount of time and when the wound is submerged in water then dry the wound with a clean towel.

What Should You Do When You Accidentally Wet Your Wound While Swimming

As I said, before you should always use waterproof plasters or bandages while swimming.

But if you accidentally wet your wound while swimming then you must need to get out of the swimming pool,

And take a clean towel then dry and clean the wound completely.

You can use an antibacterial or antiseptic solution to clean the wound and reduce the chances of infection.

Once the wound is cleaned, cover the wound with a bandage or waterproof plaster.

And after that keep an eye on that wound and if you notice any signs of infections like redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth then you should contact your doctor.

So always avoid swimming until your wound is completely healed.

Final Words

If you have stitches in your hand then depending on the type of stitches, you should wait at least 14 days until it fully recovers.

If your hand has permanent strong stitches then it can be removed by your doctor within 4 to 10 days.

Once the stitches are removed then you can cover that wound with waterproof plaster or bandage then you can go swimming while keeping your wound dry.

And if you have dissolvable stitches in your hands then you need to wait at least 14 days until it fully heals.

Once 14 days are completed then you can cover the wound with waterproof plaster or bandage then you can start swimming for a shorter amount of time.

And after your swimming is done, keep an eye on your wound.

If you have any stitches in your hand and have any questions regarding swimming with stitches in your hand then you can ask them in the comment section of this article.