Why sweat beats adhesive, and what to do about it
Adhesive bonds to dry skin. Anyone training hard is working against that from the first minute.
Every adhesive dressing is rated for application to clean dry skin. Sport violates that condition continuously.
Before applying
- Cool down first. Applying to hot, sweating skin guarantees failure.
- Dry the area thoroughly, including a good margin around the wound.
- Skip moisturiser and sunscreen in the area on training days.
Improving the odds
- Size up so the adhesive has more area to hold with.
- Frame the dressing with tape along each edge.
- Apply at least fifteen minutes before starting, so the bond has time to develop.
- Warm it briefly with your palm after applying.
Accept the change
A dressing worn through a hard session is done, even if it looks intact. Change it afterwards rather than trying to get another day out of 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.
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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.