Training with a wound: what is sensible
Sweat, friction and shared equipment are the three problems. All are manageable.
You rarely need to stop training entirely for a minor wound. You do need to adapt.
The three problems
- Sweat loosens adhesive and macerates skin under the pad.
- Friction from clothing, kit or contact reopens wounds.
- Shared surfaces in gyms carry bacteria, and an open wound is a direct route in.
Practical steps
- Cover any broken skin before training. This is not optional in a shared gym.
- Use a waterproof backing and reinforce the edges with tape.
- Change the dressing immediately afterwards, not hours later.
- Wipe down equipment before and after use.
Skip the session if
The wound is on a weight-bearing surface that will be loaded, it is still bleeding, it is showing signs of infection, or the sport involves water — pools and open water are best avoided with an open wound.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
Shop the range
FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.