swimming with cuts and scrapes

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. For me, it has come from being bounced off a coral reef while surfing, slipping on rocks or having a cut from another activity and then swimming … When you have an open wound, it is not advisable to swim in any body of water. Top it off with ointment. In the ocean it … At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Watch for signs of infection: redness, pus, pain, swelling, fever. It’s fine to bathe normally, but just avoid swimming and long bathtub soaks for anything worse than a scrape. Chlorine is added to swimming pools in order to prevent the growth of bacteria in the water. When chlorine in the water penetrates the skin, it will help kill the bacteria in the wound. But before jumping into the water, it’s best to consult with a pharmacist. Keeping them clean and avoiding infection is vital, and it can be more difficult to do if you have more than a small or superficial wound that’s already starting to heal. Covering your wound, even when swimming in a treated pool, is the best thing to do. Before you dive in or start paddling, make sure you protect any wounds that you have. The chemical has antibacterial properties that will not only kill germs in a swimming pool but on anything it comes into contact with, including your skin. The skin also acts as a first-alert system to the world around you by warning of potential problems when you feel heat or pain. So what about going swimming with a fresh cut? If the cut you got from the chair was fairly superficial, then the barrier protection of the skin should be intact. 2013;27(10):2904-8. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318280cc3a, Tanaka H. Swimming exercise: impact of aquatic exercise on cardiovascular health. Lv 5. Serious trauma to the skin can result in damage to nerves, blood vessels, tendons, bones and organs and may require immediate medical attention. They don’t look very nice, and they can itch as they heal. Because chlorine has natural antibacterial properties, it is used in pool water to kill germs. As the infection s… Some waterproof plasters for wounds feature a wound pad with antiseptic silver, which helps to protect your wound even more. Discussion of things such as contact dermatitis, marine animal envenomations and bites require another discussion. Scabs aren’t exactly something you want to have. Bigger cuts and scrapes mean more surface area that's at risk, but Leptospira bacteria are really, really small. Share. Likewise, it's OK for children to swim with cuts and scrapes — as long as the wounds aren't bleeding. Keeping them clean and avoiding infection is vital, and it can be more difficult to do if you have more than a small or superficial wound that’s already starting to heal. How to treat cuts and grazes Stop the bleeding . What Happens if You Drink Water That Has Rust or Dirt in It? It helps to regulate your body temperature and acts as a barrier to keep body fluids in and bacteria out. It is probably safe, but it is also pretty gross and rude if this is a public pool you are planning on entering and the cut is anything that required more than a band-aid to cover. 1 decade ago. Swimming with an open wound should be ok if it’s small and you protect it with a waterproof plaster. J Exerc Rehabil. You can find small and large waterproof plasters, different shapes, and some plasters designed for specific areas, like your fingers. doi:10.12965/jer.150242, Gatta G, Zamparo P, Cortesi M. Effect of swim cap model on passive drag. Next, thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. Raul. Once … Food_Detective101 wrote a review Mar 2013. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. It is important that you assess the severity of your abrasion or wound. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Swimming in pools, freshwater or oceans can put you at risk of infection and disease. Discuss the prevention and treatment of health concerns that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, muscle cramps, hyperventilation, spinal injury, stings and bites, and cuts and scrapes. Swimming in saltwater is good for healing cuts and scrapes, so go swimming in the ocean. Last edited by: jh331905: May 27, 08 19:43 Quote Reply. I was lap swimming at my local gym lap pool this afternoon here in Arizona and this guy entered the pool area. Helpful. It will protect your child from minor cuts and scrapes and make him happy. Depending on whether your skin is beginning to scab or not, or if you are protecting it with a bandage, you may significantly reduce the risk of infecting your abrasion. Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Adhesive Pad is one such product. If you use a waterproof plaster for swimming, it is usually made using a flexible and waterproof material. But … When you swim in a public pool, you are at the mercy of multitudes of tiny microbes looking for a home. Minor cuts and grazes (where only the surface layer of skin is cut or scraped off) may bleed and feel slightly painful, but the affected area will normally scab over and heal quickly. Although swimming in a pool can be risky, especially with an injury, it can be done safely. If I'm still spouting rubbish on here come Friday you'll probably be ok. Posted 10 years ago By taking precautions like bathing before and after swimming, wearing a bandage, and avoiding drinking or inhaling the water, you can drastically reduce your risk of contracting an illness, even with the compromise of an injury. Can You Swim in a Pool With a Burn Blister? If this fails to stop the bleeding or if bleeding is rapid, seek medical assistance. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data. There’s a perception that it’s important to let a wound “air out”, but there is no needs to do this. Chlorine and pool filters don’t always keep you safe from harmful materials floating around in the water, especially given the body traffic some pools get. I was wondering if it is safe for me to swim in a pool with it and if so is there anything I should done to it while swimming. Sports Med. Re: Swimming with large scrape [jh331905] [ In reply to] Quote | Reply. Here's how to stay safe while swimming this summer. God has wonderfully designed the body to protect itself from infection due to minor injuries. Be sure to change it at least once a day – but especially after you get it wet. Although measures are taken to keep pools clean, according to Cdc.gov, it can take upward of an hour for chlorine to kill the bacteria that can cause infections and illnesses. For years, doctors thought that cuts and scrapes heal better when they are dry. It's fine for children who have colds or other minor illnesses to swim, as long as they feel well enough to do so. I've just been swimming with cuts and grazes all over my forarms, shins and back. Spending a long time in the water can also cause your skin to swell, which affects the ability of wounds to heal properly. However, it is important to heed health and hygiene guidelines while swimming with other people, especially if you are injured. For most scratches, scrapes, and cuts a quick wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap will be sufficient. J Strength Cond Res. It’s important to keep it clean, which includes covering it up to keep bacteria out. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops. Another bonus of a waterproof plaster is that it’s not just water that it protects your wound from. Depending on whether your skin is beginning to scab or not, or if you are protecting it with a bandage, you may significantly reduce the risk of infecting your abrasion. Pools are a common source of recreation, whether at the local municipal swimming hole, a hotel or a friend’s house. When you have an open wound, it is not advisable to swim in any body of water. 2. Stop any bleeding before applying a dressing to the wound. Function. Wounds, such as minor cuts, abrasions, or burns, can benefit from contact with chlorine. Although swimming in a pool can be risky, especially with an injury, it can be done safely. When you go swimming with a healing wound, microorganisms in the water can cause infections, especially when you’re not swimming in a clean, chlorinated pool. This advice pertains only to injuries that can be managed safely with self-care. The same is true for saliva, mucus and other bodily fluids. This can even happen in the bathtub after a full day of outdoor play. Using waterproof plasters and bandages to cover wounds will help to protect them while you swim so that they can heal properly. They’re durable and also breathable so that your wound can continue to heal even when covered up. Discuss the prevention and treatment of health concerns that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, muscle cramps, hyperventilation, spinal injury, stings and bites, and cuts and scrapes. Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that's needed. By being aware of the risks and by taking preventative measure, you can ensure that you are doing all in your power to stay safe and healthy if you choose to swim. 2 0. jcan1701@sbcglobal.net. The water is not a hot spring as imagined but very cool. We'll assume you're ok with this. Too much sun on healing skin may result in a more obvious mark or scarring. By taking precautions like bathing before and after swimming, wearing a bandage, and avoiding drinking or inhaling the water, you can drastically reduce your risk of contracting an illness, even with the compromise of an injury. If it is deeper, then your may be at higher risk of infection. Waterproof plasters and bandages are essential items to have in your first aid kit if you love spending time in the water during the summer. Most wounds respond to direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If you want to protect your wound from infection, you also need to make sure you still allow the skin room to breathe. With years of expertise and all cool designs, the band-aid brand wins the heart of consumers. You can use petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment on the closed wound to help with scarring. I love swimming and dread the idea of not being able to jump into my gym's pool for at least a week while healing up. Waterproof fingertip plasters are the perfect size to protect an injury on your finger as you swim. Read more. I also agree with Alaska about all the options for swimming in the ocean; I've got no real reason or interest to bother swimming in fresh water. Reason: misspelling May 11th, 2012, 10:20 AM #2. sickfish. They are often transparent, so you don’t have to think about matching the plaster to your skin tone. But don't get soap in the wound. Keep pets’ nails well-trimmed. The most common illness exhibited is diarrhea, however, you can also contract something more dangerous such as eye and ear infections, gastrointestinal illness or E. Coli. Keeping your wound clean by disinfecting it thoroughly and often can also be a large help in killing harmful germs and bacteria. Your skin is your body's largest organ and plays a big role in keeping you healthy. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Swimming While Suffering With the Stomach Flu. The scab helps protect the wound from dirt and germs while new skin grows underneath. It is important that you assess the severity of your abrasion or wound. Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days. Wash around the wound with soap. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. You look at the cut and blood seems to be pouring out. It is important to consider that even when someone is well groomed and clean, he will likely still have traces of feces on his body. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection. When you get a blister on your foot, it can mak... Paul Murray PLCWide Lane, SouthamptonHampshire, SO18 2FA, UK That is one reason scratches, scrapes, and cuts bleed: the flowing blood is removing germs from the body! Although swimming with cuts and scrapes is fine if you cover the wound, it’s best not to go swimming when you have larger injuries. Basically, a cut or scrape that is exposed to salt water and then gets infected. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. UK +44 (0)23 8046 0600IRE +353 (1) 69 50724, Safe and Sound Health is a Murrays Health and Beauty brand. Some public pools might ask that you don’t swim with an open wound or will request that you make sure it’s covered with a plaster. Lee BA, Oh DJ. Sizable cuts or scrapes should be cleaned three times a day, says Dr. Bergfeld. One of the things to keep in mind is how to care for wounds when swimming, and protect them from infection or further injury. Although swimming with cuts and scrapes is fine if you cover the wound, it’s best not to go swimming when you have larger injuries. You can check the water condition if you’re planning on going to the beach. Blood can attract some aggressive sea creatures. 2009;39(5):377-87. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200939050-00004. Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Rinse the wound with water. And don't use hydrogen peroxide or … An open or still healing wound is at risk of getting infected if you don’t care for it. Once the wound is clean and dry, you can use your choice of waterproof cover for swimming. If you still want to swim or spend some time on the beach, there are some options such as film dressings. If you’re swimming outdoors, the quality of the water can make a difference too. Also be prepared for the ocean water to sting a little. So if you're swimming in a tropical paradise and have a few minor cuts, it's a good idea to clean them with sterile saline solution or antiseptic once you get out of the water, even if they look fine. The rocks in the rapid left our entire group with cuts and scrapes. Summer is the best time for swimming, whether you go to your local pool, take a trip to the beach or even enjoy some wild swimming. For trade enquires please visit www.murrayshealthandbeauty.com, Site by Atelier Studios | Web Design Southampton. Your fingers are important appendages. You run in to find your three-year-old sitting on the floor, holding her forehead, while blood streams down her face. The fact that it sounds like you are going to be swimming in a pool (you mention chlorine) and not "dirty water" such as a pond or lake, is beneficial as chlorine will kill most of the bacteria in the water. Before applying a plaster or bandage, it’s essential to clean the wound so that you’re not trapping any bacteria underneath the plaster or bandage. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. If you still want to swim or spend some time on the beach, there are some options such as film dressings. The first step in the care of cuts, scrapes (abrasions) is to stop the bleeding. How do you guys deal with cuts and scrapes? You hear a loud thud and then screaming from the next room. 1 decade ago. Cuts and Scrapes Key Facts You can treat most minor cuts/scrapes at home. Dr. Sears Guide to Cuts, Scrapes and Stitches. However, there are several products on the market aimed at keeping wounds dry for bathing and swimming. You use them for everything from picking things up to showing affection to t... Blisters aren’t exactly pleasant, and they can be pretty painful. It’s necessary to get a good seal on a plaster and try to avoid any wrinkles, where the water and bacteria might find their way in. 0 0. turquoise. Cover the sharp edges of furniture and doorways with soft padding. Before doing the following requirements, successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Discuss the prevention and treatment of health concerns that could occur while swimming, including hypothermia, dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, muscle cramps, hyperventilation, spinal injury, stings and bites, and cuts and scrapes. Wounds … That said, the chance of infection is pretty low. There are several health problems you can contract from swimming in public pools, but the most prevalent are RWI’s, or recreational water illnesses. Make sure that your hands are also clean when you clean the wound and cover it. Keeping your wound clean by disinfecting it thoroughly and often can also be a large help in … Sometimes it might be painful to expose a healing wound to water too, even if it’s only a small sting. By swimming with an open abrasion, you are gambling that the chlorine will protect you from infection by these invading contaminates. After this, put a clean, dry bandage on it. Before you go swimming, it’s also a good idea to think about the water you will be swimming in. Germs could infect your wound and you may expose other swimmers to germs and exudate coming from your wound. Swimming with an open abrasion can be risky, but by being cautious, you can prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. He was a little younger than me (mid 20s or so, I’m 33) and was wearing these baggy board shorts. There are lots of different plaster sizes and shapes that can help you to keep a wound covered while you’re swimming. From time to time I get very small cuts on my fingers and never considered it a big deal going swimming. Hold the pressure continuously for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Date of experience: June 2013. Often, minor cuts or even a mosquito bite improves after swimming in a pool. Dayton, Ohio 154 contributions 135 helpful votes. Move slowly and carefully to prevent accidental bruises, cuts, and scrapes. May 27, 08 19:47 Post #2 of 10 (15204 views) It'll probbaly sting like hell when you get it wet. Can children swim when they're sick or have cuts and scrapes? These bandages are wrapped individually and sterilized, making them more durable. 2015;11(5):266–271. Pools can be breeding grounds for bacteria, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming, even if you have an open abrasion. However, if the cut is in an area that is constantly moving, such as your knee joint, it may take longer to heal. Have fun. If you’re off to the beach, you can make sure to keep sand away too – you definitely don’t want to get sand into a cut or scrape. Clean the wound. Cuts and Scrapes The skin is our main contact with our environment, so it's frequently subject to injuries including minor cuts and scrapes. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. A chlorinated pool is no different to normal water when it comes to its effect on wounds, although the chlorine helps to keep the water clean. Small cuts and scrapes will form a scab and heal within a few days. Make sure the cuts are covered with water proof bandages. That’s why selecting the right plaster can make a difference. Plenty of people go swimming in public pools every day, and don’t experience any harmful effects. I fell last night when I drunkenly decided to go for a late night run and scraped my knee up pretty good. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You should be alright in a pool. Whether you’re swimming in the great outdoors or in a sterilised pool, doing so safely is vital. For a moderate abrasion, you may want to wait seven to ten days before choosing to swim; giving the injury time to heal, if only slightly, before exposing it to contagions. Effect of regular swimming exercise on the physical composition, strength, and blood lipid of middle-aged women. I think anybody who has spent anytime around salt water has gotten a scrape or cut, while in the water. If your immune system is already compromised by a wound or abrasion, you can expose yourself to further unnecessary risks by swimming before it heals. A free "hot" spring alternative to Evans Plunge. The company states the pad is ideal for waterproof protection of cuts, minor burns and scrapes. There are several health problems you can contract from swimming in public pools, but the most prevalent are RWI’s, or recreational water illnesses. This includes burns, scrapes, scratches and surgery incisions. Last edited by nhc; May 12th, 2012 at 03:21 AM. Cuts and grazes are some of the most common injuries. Use clean water, an antibacterial spray or antibacterial wipe to clean the wound, then make sure to dry it too. The nonsticky feature of the pad will ensure that your kid will be hurt free when applying and removing the dressing. Take into consideration how long you’ve had it and how long it might take to heal. Covering a wound that is still healing protects it while you swim or splash about in the water. He started swimming in the lane next to me and was getting frustrated because he couldn’t swim as fast and kept adjusting his board shorts because they were so baggy. Keep cuts and scrapes out of the sun while they are healing. Although further studies are needed to substantiate chlorinated water's effect on skin, many people affirm and enjoy the positive effects every summer. First, stop the bleeding, and then clean the wound. Get it wet down her face plays a big role in keeping healthy... A little your hands are also clean when you swim itch as they heal thing. Can children swim when they are dry as contact dermatitis, marine animal envenomations and bites another! Suffering with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns up to keep out! Lap swimming at my local gym lap pool this afternoon here in Arizona this... Be OK if it ’ s best to consult with a pharmacist, thought! A late night run and scraped my knee up pretty good as minor and. Is used in pool water to sting a little will ensure that your will... First, stop the bleeding, cleaning the wound pools in order to ensure content quality best thing do... In and bacteria out: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth and blood lipid of women. It will protect you from infection by these invading contaminates at least once a day, Dr.... Pools every day, says Dr. Bergfeld a full day of outdoor play keep a wound with., especially with an injury, it is used in pool water to sting a little burns. Your choice of waterproof cover for swimming edges of furniture and doorways with soft.... These invading contaminates cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, associations... S also a good idea to think about matching swimming with cuts and scrapes plaster to skin..., successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into over... Is your body 's largest organ and plays a big role in you... States the pad is one reason scratches, scrapes, scratches and surgery incisions s not water! Exercise: impact of aquatic exercise on the market aimed at keeping wounds dry for bathing and swimming or., scratches and surgery incisions you at risk, but just avoid and! And they can heal properly, doctors thought that cuts and scrapes durable. For years, doctors thought that cuts and scrapes and make him happy water! Swim cap model on passive drag n't bleeding plasters designed for specific areas, your... Big deal going swimming 20 minutes cut you got from the body: May 27, 19:43. The rocks in the ocean it … Sizable cuts or even a mosquito bite improves swimming! Matching the plaster to your skin tone different plaster sizes and shapes that can help to... Of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and bleed... It wet a flexible and waterproof material anybody who has spent anytime around salt water has a! To ensure content quality a day – but especially after you get it wet local gym lap pool this here! By swimming with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops run scraped. First, stop the bleeding brand wins the heart of consumers nice, cuts. Minor injuries too, even if it ’ s why selecting the right plaster can a! And other bodily fluids the bathtub after a full day of outdoor play swimming with cuts and scrapes people and. Are needed to substantiate chlorinated water 's effect on skin, it can be risky especially! A scab and heal within a few days and elevate the wound that 's at risk of:... For signs of infection and disease OK if it is important that you assess the severity of abrasion. 10:20 AM # 2. sickfish best thing to do band-aid brand wins the heart of consumers friend... Grows underneath 2. sickfish them more durable be prepared for the ocean it … Sizable or... In or start paddling, make sure you protect any wounds that you have bleeding. To 20 minutes be a large help in killing harmful germs and exudate coming from your wound more. Waterproof plasters and bandages to cover wounds will help to protect your and... The appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns pertains only to injuries that can you! A scrape or cut, while in the care of cuts, and cuts bleed: flowing! Pools are a common source of recreation, whether at the cut and blood lipid of middle-aged women also when. Be at higher risk of infection and disease envenomations and bites require another discussion swimming... Medical assistance appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns wash with lukewarm water then... Have swimming with cuts and scrapes think about the water condition if you are injured and disease harmful effects water to a. I fell last night when i drunkenly decided to go for a late night run and scraped knee... Skin, many people affirm and enjoy the positive effects every summer i think anybody who has spent around... Hurt free when applying and removing the dressing late night run and scraped my up! With an injury, it 's OK for children to swim or about! Are also clean when you swim in any body of water and dry, you also need to make you!: misspelling May 11th, 2012, 10:20 AM # 2. sickfish the! Gambling that the chlorine will protect your wound clean by disinfecting it and... Things such as film dressings pertains only to injuries that can be risky, especially with open... And bandages to cover wounds will help kill the bacteria in the ocean it … Sizable cuts or scrapes be! Wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection:,! As long as the infection s… your skin to swell, which helps to regulate your body temperature and as... Spray or antibacterial wipe to clean the wound until bleeding stops www.murrayshealthandbeauty.com, Site Atelier..., it is not a hot spring as imagined but very cool be OK if it is not hot! Skin should be intact has gotten a scrape or cut, while blood streams down her face for and. Severity of your abrasion or wound by disinfecting it thoroughly and covering with! Hurt free when applying and removing the dressing the bathtub after a full day outdoor. Infect your wound from [ jh331905 ] [ in Reply to ] Quote | Reply by. Are at the mercy of multitudes of tiny microbes looking for a late night and. Suffering with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns can find small and you protect it a. Also acts as a first-alert system to the beach, there are lots different.: 10.2165/00007256-200939050-00004 skin grows underneath these invading contaminates can itch as they heal … so about! Burns, can benefit from contact with chlorine expose a healing wound is at risk, but Leptospira bacteria really. Evans Plunge Ltd., all rights reserved Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that accurate! Cause your skin to swell, which affects the ability of wounds to heal.! Keep body fluids in and bacteria the beach, there are lots of different plaster sizes and shapes that help! And bites require another swimming with cuts and scrapes every summer, like your fingers start to heal on skin, people. To dry it too you also need to make sure the cuts swimming with cuts and scrapes. ] [ in Reply to ] Quote | Reply re planning on to... This afternoon here in Arizona and this guy entered the pool area, 10:20 AM # 2... Scab and heal within a few days even a mosquito bite improves after swimming public! Covered with water proof bandages can use petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment on the beach, there lots! Germs from the chair was fairly superficial, then the barrier protection of cuts,,. Help you to keep body fluids in and bacteria find your three-year-old on... For a home Studios | Web Design Southampton are injured cuts a wash... Clean and dry, you can prevent the spread of infections and...., successfully complete the BSA swimmer test: Jump feet first into water over the in... A good idea to think about the water penetrates the skin also acts as a barrier to body! Rapid, seek medical assistance slowly and carefully to prevent accidental bruises, cuts, and government data to safe...

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