Waterproof bandages
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- BAND-AID Brand Waterproof Clear Bandages, assorted. Best for: Showers, handwashing and swimming. See options on Amazon
- Nexcare Waterproof Clear Bandages. Best for: Another sealed-edge clear option. See options on Amazon
- Large waterproof film or foam dressings. Best for: Scrapes too big for a strip bandage. See options on Amazon
How waterproof bandages work
Band-Aid describes its Waterproof Clear bandages as having a four-sided adhesive that helps the bandage stay on through handwashing, showers and swimming while keeping water, dirt and germs out. They have a cushioning pad, are sterile unless the wrapper is opened or damaged, and are not made with natural rubber latex.
Other designs include clear film-style bandages, flexible bandages for fingers and knees, and hydrocolloid bandages; see our hydrocolloid bandages guide for those.
Swimming with a cut
The CDC's healthy swimming advice is to stay out of the water if you have an open cut or wound, particularly from a surgery or piercing. If you do go in, use waterproof bandages to completely cover the cut or wound.
| Situation | CDC guidance | Source page |
|---|---|---|
| Pool or other swimming with an open wound | Stay out if you can; otherwise cover it completely with a waterproof bandage | Healthy swimming |
| Salt or brackish water with an open wound | Stay out if possible, including wading; cover with a waterproof bandage if contact could happen | Vibrio prevention |
| After contact with coastal water or raw seafood | Immediately wash wounds with soap and clean running water | Vibrio prevention |
Saltwater, brackish water and Vibrio
The CDC explains that Vibrio bacteria naturally live in coastal waters and can get inside an open wound and cause an infection. Coastal waters include salt water and brackish water, a mix of salt and fresh water often found where rivers meet the ocean. Open wounds include recent cuts and scrapes, recent surgery sites, and recent piercings and tattoos.
Contact can happen during everyday activities such as swimming, fishing or walking on the beach, and during flooding from a hurricane or storm surge. The CDC says these steps are especially important if you have an underlying medical condition, especially liver disease. People at higher risk should wear clothes and shoes that protect against cuts in coastal waters, and gloves when handling raw seafood. For a fresh tattoo, see our tattoo aftercare guide.
How to put on a waterproof bandage
- Clean the wound. Mayo Clinic advises rinsing under running water and washing around it with soap.
- Dry the skin completely. Band-Aid says to apply its bandage to clean, dry skin for best results.
- Size it right. Choose a pad that covers the whole wound so the adhesive seals on intact skin all around.
- Press the edges down firmly so the seal is continuous.
- Ointment note. Band-Aid suggests an antibiotic ointment before applying; keep it on the pad, not the adhesive border, so the seal holds. See our antibiotic ointment guide.
Changing and removing it
Band-Aid says to change the bandage daily, or more often if needed. Mayo Clinic says to change a wound covering at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet or dirty, so replace a bandage that has let water in. Band-Aid notes its waterproof bandages are not intended for use on sensitive skin; for sensitive skin, consider gentler options in our adhesive bandages guide.
Peel adhesive off slowly along the skin rather than pulling straight up; see our medical tape guide for gentle removal tips.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a wound gets worse after swimming, especially in salty or brackish water, where the CDC says Vibrio can infect open wounds. Mayo Clinic lists infection signs: expanding changes in color, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling. Seek care quickly if you have liver disease or a weakened immune system and a wound was exposed to coastal water.
What to look for when you buy
BAND-AID Brand Waterproof Clear Bandages, assorted
Best for: Showers, handwashing and swimming
Band-Aid lists a four-sided adhesive seal and a cushioning pad, not made with natural rubber latex.
Watch out: Band-Aid says not intended for sensitive skin.
See options on AmazonNexcare Waterproof Clear Bandages
Best for: Another sealed-edge clear option
Nexcare markets a seal around the pad to keep water out, the CDC-recommended way to cover a wound before swimming.
Watch out: Apply to completely dry skin.
See options on AmazonLarge waterproof film or foam dressings
Best for: Scrapes too big for a strip bandage
The CDC says to completely cover a wound if you go in the water; larger dressings cover bigger areas.
Watch out: Replace if water gets under the edge.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can I swim with a cut if I use a waterproof bandage?
- The CDC advises staying out with an open wound; if you go in, completely cover it with a waterproof bandage.
- Is it safe to swim in the ocean with a cut?
- The CDC says stay out of salt or brackish water with an open wound if possible, because Vibrio can infect wounds.
- Do waterproof bandages work in the shower?
- Band-Aid says its four-sided adhesive helps the bandage stay on through showers and swimming.
- How often should I change a waterproof bandage?
- Daily or more often if needed, and whenever it gets wet or dirty.
- What should I do after a wound touches seawater?
- Wash it right away with soap and clean running water, per the CDC.
Sources
- Preventing Swimming-related Illnesses (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Preventing Vibrio Infection (cdc.gov), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- BAND-AID Brand Waterproof Clear Adhesive Bandages (band-aid.com), BAND-AID Brand
- Cuts and scrapes: First aid (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic