Women bathing in water

The truth about water and healing

Can saltwater help wounds heal? Various types of water, including saltwater, can actually complicate the healing process.

ABOUT

When talking about faster wound healing, we need to separate fact from fiction. The truth is, even though people might associate saltwater with healing, moisture can quickly cause the skin to swell around wounds and complicate the healing process. This not only affects the healing process, but can also allow bacteria to enter the wound, thereby increasing the risk of infection. Each type of water has its own particular kind of risk. Reading Better Protection for Better Healing will tell you how to protect your wounds from water. But first, here are the types of water that most people are frequently exposed to and the dangers they present for wounds.

Saltwater

Most people have probably heard that seawater helps the wound healing process – but this is a myth! In reality, impurities found in the water of coastal areas and in standing bodies of water can contain high concentrations of germs that spread freely in warm temperatures.

THE RISK OF WOUND INFECTION IS INCREASED BY CONTACT WITH CONTAMINATED WATER

Woman walking on the beach
The healing powers of saltwater are primarily a myth.

Tap water

Especially when a wound is just beginning to heal, it is advisable to protect the wound from direct contact with tap water. Water and moisture cause the skin to swell and this can impair wound healing. Hand soap, shampoo, shower gel and detergent can also irritate the wound. Before showering, bathing or washing your hands, it is important to make sure your wounds are covered with a waterproof plaster so that they are protected and can heal properly.

Close up of washing hands under running water
It’s also important to protect wounds against tap water.

Chlorinated water

Chlorine in water can cause unnecessary irritation in wounds and slow healing. There are also many invisible dangers at public swimming pools, such as the bacteria that lurk in unsanitary water, that can quickly lead to wounds becoming infected. It is important to take special care and properly protect wounds from chlorinated water, especially at public swimming pools. To ensure optimal protection against water, consider the 100% waterproof plasters from Elastoplast Aqua Protect. For protecting larger areas, consider Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof Plasters.

Two feet dangling in the pool
Wounds need to also be protected against chlorinated water, it too can slow the healing process, and bacteria in public pools can infect wounds.
Back to top

TREATMENT

Waterproofing is the answer

Whether you find yourself at the beach, dealing with a pile of dirty dishes or heading out for your weekly swim, it is important to protect your wounds from water at all times. It's vital to use plasters that stay securely in place – even during prolonged contact with water – and they should be breathable and flexible to allow you to move around freely. Elastoplast Aqua Protect plasters ensure that wounds stay well-protected and heal safely. They are also ideal for use after minor surgical procedures such as the removal of a mole.

Showering with a sponge in the hand
Whenever your skin comes into contact with water – even when washing – consider waterproofing your wounds.
To learn about the golden rules of dressing minor wounds and for more information about how wounds react to water, read Better protection for better healing.

”WOUNDS CAN HEAL QUICKLY IF
THEY ARE WELL PROTECTED AND
LEFT UNDISTURBED.”

”Water and moisture cause the skin to swell. This not only affects wound closure and the healing process, but can facilitate the entry of bacteria and increase the risk of a wound becoming infected. It is, therefore, important to protect the wound reliably from germs and water.“

Carsten Hartkopf,
Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG

Portrait of Carsten Hartkopf, Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG
Carsten Hartkopf Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG
Back to top

SOLUTIONS

Waterproofing with Elastoplast

These products are ideal for keeping water away from your wounds and helping them heal safely.

Elastoplast Water and Healing Solution 

The Elastoplast Aqua Protect Plasters are 100 % waterproof, making them ideal for washing, showering, bathing and swimming. The soft, light beige woundpad and transparent backing also mean you can enjoy ultimate discretion when healing. For keeping a larger area covered with a waterproof plaster, try Heavy Fabric Waterproof Plaster. All Aqua Protect plasters have a breathable yet waterproof backing and an extra strong adhesive to help keep your wounds protected when wet.

Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Plaster are unique, because they are fabric plasters that do not become soaked when they come into contact with water, ensuring the same comfort as a fabric plaster while remaining waterproof. Thanks to the waterproof breathable membrane, the plaster also dries quickly and keeps the wound dry. They are equipped with a strong adhesive that keeps them in place, and they come in strips of various sizes.

Back to top

PREVENTION

The best protection is prevention

Exposure to dirt and bacteria can increase the risk of infection – which is the greatest threat to a healthy healing process. Public swimming pools can often contain the types of dirt and bacteria that are harmful to wounds. That’s why it’s so important to respect proper hygiene before, during and after your visit to the pool while enjoying the swimming season.

Here are some tips:

  1. Never forget to shower

    When people get into the pool without showering first, they carry a lot of dirt and bacteria into the water. A quick shower before jumping in washes away up to 90 % of sweat, dead skin and skincare products.

  2. Avoid footbaths at public swimming pools

    You will find footbaths quite often at swimming pools, but few people realise they can do more harm than good. Since they are used so frequently, a high concentration of bacteria and germs can build up. Most people do not usually leave the disinfection long enough to act – it should be allowed to dry for at least 15 minutes to be effective.

  3. Dry your feet thoroughly and wear flip flops

    The best protection against infection at public swimming pools is actually quite simple – wear flip flops! It is also important to dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. Since this area is often neglected, it is particularly susceptible to fungal infections. The warm moist environment between the toes provides the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.

  4. Always cover wounds with waterproof plasters

    When you go swimming you should definitely use waterproof plasters on grazes, cuts and other wounds – even smaller areas like a wound left from a recently removed mole. When wounds are well protected and left undisturbed, they can heal more quickly.

Back to top

Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly. In case you have diabetes, a proper wound care is of special importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.  

Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.  

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website. For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on Consumer care: ConsumerSA.External@beiersdorf.com or phone: 0860 102 091. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages.

 

Back to top