Waterproof plasters for swimming and showering

Published: May 2021

Last Reviewed: November 2024

Summer is the best season for swimming, whether in the pool or in the sea on holiday. However, if you have a wound, you'll want to stop it from getting wet, so it's important to protect it with a plaster or dressing. Learn how long you should keep a plaster on.

Not all plasters are fully waterproof though. If you want to protect a cut in the shower, or you need a waterproof plaster for swimming, find the right Elastoplast product for your needs with our handy guide.

Covering a wound that is still healing protects it, meaning you can wash or swim without worrying. If a wound isn't properly protected it can become infected, slowing the wound healing process.

By keeping wounds dry with a waterproof dressing, you can reduce the risk of infection and improve wound recovery. 

Spending a long time in the water causes skin to wrinkle, which can also delay wound healing. Learn more about wound healing in the Elastoplast Wound Care Routine. 

Surgical wounds are usually closed with sutures (stitches). Depending on the wound size and location, sutures will be removed after 5 to 14 days. Learn more about wound healing in the Elastoplast Wound Care Routine.

If you've been advised to keep your stitches dry, cover them with a waterproof wound dressing to use in the shower or bath. It's best to dab your stitches dry with a clean towel after washing, even if the wound area did not get wet.

Swimming with an open wound is fine as long as it's small and protected with a waterproof dressing. Wherever you go swimming, it's a good idea to consider what kind of water you'll be in. 

Though chlorinated pools may be cleaner than normal lake or sea water, it's still important to keep your wound covered. 

Waterproof plasters are suitable for water types such as chlorinated pools and open water sources like the sea or lakes. Chlorinated pools are not much different to regular water, the only distinguishable difference is that pools use chlorine to keep the water clean. However, you should check the water quality and condition before going to the beach for example. Some public pools will ask that you don’t swim with an open wound, so it’s best to be prepared with a waterproof plaster placed on the wound before swimming.  

For larger injuries or wounds that cannot be fully covered with a waterproof plaster, it is advisable to avoid swimming to prevent infection and further complications of the wound. Healing could be delayed if a wound encounters pool water or open water. You should always consult a medical professional for further advice before swimming in pools or open waters. 

Elastoplast has a range of waterproof plasters that are suitable for swimming and showering. In particular, Elastoplast Bacteria Shield plasters form a protective barrier that prevents 99% of bacteria from encountering the wound. 

Most Elastoplast Bacteria Shield plasters feature a water-repellent backing, which helps to prevent bacteria and water from entering the wound. This means you can bathe or swim safely, knowing your wound is fully protected.

Elastoplast Aqua Protect plasters offer 100% waterproof protection to cover minor wounds. The strong adhesive makes them the best waterproof plasters for swimming, showering and bathing.

Aqua Protect's high-performance adhesive keeps the wound protected for up to 8 hours after application - even after coming into contact with water. The backing is flexible and breathable, offering greater comfort and preventing water from getting trapped around the wound.

Elastoplast Water Resistant plasters are suitable to cover and protect all types of minor wounds. As with Aqua Protect, the strong adhesion ensures the plaster stays in place. The material is breathable and water-resistant.

Available in 40, 30, 20 and 10 strips, these plasters repel dirt as well as water and come in a variety of sizes.

Elastoplast's large waterproof dressings are designed to protect medium to large wounds, or post-surgery wounds. Larger wounds are best protected with sterile wound dressings that cushion them.

Elastoplast Waterproof XL and XXL dressings are suitable for larger or post-operative wounds. The waterproof film means they can be worn while the skin gets wet, as the material keeps water on the surface where it beads off.

Antibacterial Aqua Protect XL and XXL dressings are also suitable for bigger wounds. These extra large waterproof plasters provide sterile protection using antibacterial silver.

As well as swimming, Elastoplast Extra Tough Waterproof plasters offer waterproof protection when carrying out other activities such as gardening, housework and DIY-projects. 

These plasters have extra durable material to block bacteria from infecting the wound whilst remaining flexible and breathable. 

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.