Returning to sport after a skin injury
The question is not whether it hurts, but whether it can be covered and will stay covered.
Skin injuries rarely stop you training. They do dictate how you train and what you cover.
The practical test
Can the wound be fully covered, and will that covering survive the session? If yes, most activity is reasonable. If no, choose a session that avoids the area.
Sport-by-sport
- Contact sport — must be fully covered, no exceptions. Most governing bodies require it.
- Gym — cover anything that touches equipment.
- Running — watch friction points and tape edges.
- Swimming — wait until closed.
Wait longer if
- The wound is still bleeding when disturbed.
- It is on a surface that will bear load or take impact.
- There is any sign of infection.
- Closure strips are still holding it — strain across those will reopen it.
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.