Showering with a wound is challenging because water exposure interferes with the natural healing process. Maintaining a clean, dry environment is crucial for recovery. This article provides practical, do-it-yourself methods using everyday household materials to create a temporary waterproof barrier, allowing you to maintain hygiene without compromising wound protection.
Why Keeping Wounds Dry Matters
Excess moisture around a healing injury causes maceration, which is the softening and breakdown of the skin. This effect weakens the protective outer layer surrounding the wound. Maceration delays the formation of new tissue and makes the area susceptible to damage and colonization by microorganisms.
Shower water is not sterile and can introduce bacteria onto the wound surface or into the dressing. A saturated bandage ceases to be an effective barrier and creates a warm, moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Preventing water intrusion protects delicate tissues and ensures the wound bed remains clean to promote optimal healing.
Necessary Supplies and Preparation for DIY Waterproofing
Successful waterproofing requires selecting the right materials and thoroughly preparing the skin to ensure the adhesive bond holds against moisture. For the strongest seal, you need a flexible, waterproof barrier and a high-tack adhesive. Kitchen plastic wrap, a clean plastic bag, or plastic sheeting can serve as the barrier material.
Waterproof athletic tape or heavy-duty duct tape provides superior adhesion compared to standard paper medical tape. Before applying any materials, the skin around the dressing must be completely clean and dry. Residue from lotions, soaps, or natural skin oils significantly weakens the adhesive bond, causing the seal to fail quickly.
To maximize tape adhesion, gently clean the perimeter of the skin where the tape will be placed with mild soap or an alcohol wipe, then pat the skin dry with a clean towel. For areas with dense body hair, trimming or shaving the hair ensures the tape sticks directly to the skin surface. This preparation establishes a clean, dry foundation for the seal.
Step-by-Step Application Techniques
Small Wounds (Using Tape Frame)
For smaller wounds covered with a sterile gauze or non-waterproof pad, the simplest method is creating a wide, overlapping frame using waterproof tape. Secure the existing dressing by applying strips of tape. Ensure each strip adheres to at least one inch of healthy skin beyond the dressing’s edge on all sides. Overlap the tape strips slightly to eliminate gaps and create a continuous, sealed perimeter.
Large Wounds (Using Plastic Barrier)
For larger dressings or wounds on mobile areas like the knee, elbow, or torso, a more robust barrier is necessary. Start by covering the entire dressing with a single piece of plastic wrap or a clean plastic bag. The plastic must be large enough to extend several inches beyond the dressing’s edges. Loosely drape the plastic to create a dome or “tent” over the wound, preventing it from pressing directly onto the dressing or incision.
Next, seal the entire perimeter of the plastic wrap to the clean, dry skin using a continuous strip of waterproof athletic or duct tape. Apply the tape smoothly around the barrier to eliminate any folds or wrinkles that could allow water to seep through. Ensure the tape is firmly pressed down and forms a complete, unbroken ring of adhesion.
Post-Shower Removal and Inspection
Immediately after showering, the temporary waterproof covering must be carefully inspected before removal. Check the entire perimeter for signs of water intrusion, such as dampness or a breach in the tape seal. If the underlying dressing feels wet, it must be removed and replaced immediately to prevent maceration and reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation.
When removing the tape, peel it away slowly and gently to avoid skin irritation or tearing. Pull the tape back parallel to the skin surface, rather than pulling upward, which minimizes the stress on the skin. You can soften the adhesive by applying a small amount of baby oil or a dedicated medical adhesive remover to the tape’s edge before peeling.
If the underlying bandage is dry, carefully remove the waterproof covering and gently pat the surrounding skin dry with a clean, soft towel. The wound and its primary dressing should remain untouched. If the dressing is wet, dispose of the old materials and gently clean the wound according to care instructions before applying a new, sterile dressing.