{"id":6860,"date":"2020-02-12T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T10:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/?p=6860"},"modified":"2020-12-01T07:32:09","modified_gmt":"2020-12-01T07:32:09","slug":"can-you-swim-with-stitches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/can-you-swim-with-stitches\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Swim With Stitches?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Can You Swim With Stitches?<\/h1>\n

Healing after surgery with stitches depends on your general health and the type of surgery you had. Large incisions can take up to eight weeks to properly heal \u2013 and if you have additional medical problems this can take even longer.<\/p>\n

If the skin gets broken the wound provides germs with a direct entrance into the body, making it prone to infection. Infected stitches can be caused by bacteria, and the wound site will become inflamed and tender.<\/p>\n

A frequently asked question is can you swim with stitches? Read on to find out more\u2026<\/p>\n

Preventative Medicine<\/h2>\n

Even for minor injuries, proper wound care can increase the speed of recovery. A cut that has been closed with stitches will start to heal within 48 hours with new skin starting to grow in two to three days.<\/p>\n

Showering without submerging the wound can be done after 24 hours, but swimming with stitches at this time will delay wound healing on the outside. Oceans, lakes and rivers are also potential carriers of bacteria which at this stage could cause more problems.<\/p>\n

Know Your Stitch Type<\/h2>\n

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There are basically two types of stitches \u2013 strong permanent stitches that will need to be removed by a medical professional, and absorbable stitches that are taken up by the body over time. Swimming before these stitches are absorbed isn\u2019t recommended.<\/p>\n

Permanent stitches may be removed after seven to 10 days \u2013absorbable stitches may take longer.<\/p>\n

Swimming Following Surgery<\/h2>\n

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Can you go swimming with stitches? You should really avoid this activity until stitches have been removed and the wound has fully healed as this decreases the risk of infection. Recommendations are that you don\u2019t go swimming until:<\/p>\n