Can you swim with a wound?
Pools, lakes and the sea each carry different risks. None of them are good for an open wound.
The short answer is that an open wound should stay out of water you share with other people or with wildlife.
Swimming pools
Chlorine reduces but does not eliminate organisms, and it irritates a healing wound. Most pools ask you not to swim with open wounds. Wait until the skin is closed.
Lakes, rivers and the sea
Higher risk again. Warm fresh and coastal water can carry organisms that cause serious soft tissue infections. Avoid entirely with any break in the skin.
If you must
A fully waterproof dressing with sealed edges, for a short exposure only, changed immediately afterwards. Accept this reduces risk rather than removing it.
Afterwards
Rinse with clean water, dry thoroughly, redress. Watch closely for the next few days — water-related infections can progress quickly.
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.