Stitches can i swim

You also shouldn't swim if you're wearing a plaster cast or you have an external fixation device — a metal frame that holds your bones in position — until your surgeon advises that it's safe to do so.

Depending on the type of surgery, you may need to avoid swimming for some time, even after your wound has healed.

Below are some examples, but you should always check with the healthcare professionals treating you before going swimming:. Page last reviewed: 13 December Next review due: 13 December Home Common health questions Operations, tests and procedures Back to Operations, tests and procedures.

The thought of surgery can be scary, but doing research to understand the risk and how to be prepared for post-surgery swimming is important. If you have just had surgery and still have an open wound going in the water is not a good idea. You need to keep your open wound dry and the only way to do that is onshore.

Typically, after your stitches have been removed or dissolved and the wound has completely healed, it will again be safe to swim at the beach or in the pool. Again, it is not recommended to swim with an open wound.

Usually, stitches are removed within seven to 10 days after surgery. However, this is dependent on the location and size of the wound. Swimming should be avoided for a longer period of time if you have a pre-existing condition that can increase the risk of infection or delay healing. You should also avoid swimming if you are wearing a cast or have an externally fixated device until your doctor has confirmed that it is safe to go back in the water.

Extreme Veteran Central New York. JC in Cinci AM in reply to: Veteran JC My Race Log. DrPete AM in reply to: Expert Southern Pines, NC. Extreme Veteran Rocklin. I actually laughed out loud at your post. Finally, an opinion on a topic that comes from an expert!!! Trishie, ride that new bike, wait until the doc says to get into the water. Houstonrider AM in reply to: Expert That helps explain why the scar is still so ugly years later!

MacMadame AM in reply to: Expert Northern CA. Artemis AM in reply to: Science Nerd Redwood City, California. Elite Whispering Pines, North Carolina. Extreme Veteran Concord, NH. Elite Quebec, Canada.

When I had surgery last winter my doc told me two weeks out of the pool. Elite Gilbert, Az. Cures a host of what ails you.

John My Race Log. Hugh in TX PM in reply to: Expert Austin, TX. Extreme Veteran Being active can make life more fun, and it can keep you in stitches! If you received a wound that requires sutures stitches or staples, keep the wound completely dry for the first 24 hours.

After that, you can take daily showers, gently cleaning the affected area well with soap and water, or shampoo, if the wound is on the head. Avoid soaking the wound.