Swimming with stitches is generally not advised due to the potential for complications that can impede healing. Proper wound care is crucial for optimal recovery and to minimize risks. Understanding why water exposure is problematic for a stitched wound is important for your health.
Why Swimming Poses a Risk
Exposing a stitched wound to water, especially non-sterile environments like pools, lakes, or oceans, introduces several significant dangers. One of the primary concerns is the increased risk of infection. Water, even chlorinated pool water, can harbor bacteria that may enter the wound. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, increased pain, tenderness, pus or foul-smelling drainage, fever, or chills.
Beyond infection, water exposure can also compromise the wound’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of dehiscence, where wound edges separate. Prolonged immersion can cause the skin around the wound to soften and become “pruny,” weakening the newly forming skin and potentially causing the stitches to loosen or dissolve prematurely. This weakening can allow the wound to pull apart, particularly if there is any tension or movement.
When a wound becomes infected or reopens, the healing process is significantly delayed. The body must divert resources to fight the infection or repair the reopened wound, prolonging the overall recovery time and potentially leading to more prominent scarring. A contaminated or re-opened wound requires additional medical attention, including cleaning, antibiotics, or re-stitching.
Factors Determining When You Can Swim
The decision of when it is safe to swim after stitches should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, as it depends on individual factors. The wound must be completely closed, dry, and show no signs of inflammation or infection before water immersion. New skin should have formed, creating a protective barrier over the healing tissue.
The status of the stitches is another important consideration. It is generally recommended to avoid swimming until stitches have been removed or fully dissolved. Non-dissolvable stitches are typically removed within 7 to 14 days, depending on the wound’s location and type. Dissolvable stitches, made from materials like polyglycolic acid or polydioxanone, can take 7-10 days for fast-absorbing types to several months for slow-absorbing ones to fully break down.
The nature and depth of the wound also influence the timeline. A superficial cut may heal faster than a deep surgical incision, which requires more time for tissue layers to repair. Some surgical procedures may require avoiding swimming for weeks or months. Your doctor will assess healing progress and provide guidance, as submerging an incision too early can lead to complications.
Safeguarding Your Stitched Wound
Protecting a stitched wound from water is crucial for proper healing and to prevent complications. When showering, it is generally safe to do so 24 hours after stitches are placed, unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Keep the stitched area dry by covering the wound with a waterproof dressing or bandage, ensuring a tight seal. Large waterproof or transparent dressings are available to seal out water, dirt, and germs during showering. Some individuals find it helpful to use plastic food wrap or a plastic bag secured with tape for temporary protection.
Avoid prolonged immersion of the stitched wound in water, including baths, hot tubs, and swimming, until cleared by a medical professional. Even seemingly clean water sources, like chlorinated pools, can irritate wounds and slow healing, while lakes and oceans may contain higher concentrations of bacteria. After any accidental water exposure, or once cleared for showering, gently pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
Monitor your wound for any signs of complication. Redness, increased pain, swelling, warmth, pus, or foul-smelling discharge can indicate an infection and warrant immediate medical attention. An opening in the incision line, or a feeling of pulling or ripping, could signify wound dehiscence. Adhere to all specific post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team, including keeping the area clean and changing dressings as advised, for optimal wound healing.