With summer's steamy weather, people are flocking to swim in the ocean or soak up the sun, and the more adventurous are perhaps eating oysters on the half shell. Doctors at Minit Medical answer some of the questions submitted by readers. Coral scrapes and cuts are common injuries that may occur when you walk on a beach or swim, snorkel, or dive in warm water. Bacteria that can cause infections can be found almost anywhere but are especially prevalent in the ocean and streams. Keeping your wound wet in the ocean and dry to air exposure are the similarly unwise choices. But if you're prone to infection, there's a chance it may help. Swimming with an open abrasion can be risky, but by being cautious, you can prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection. Discussion of things such as contact dermatitis, marine animal envenomations and bites require another discussion. Do not pick any scabs your wound forms because it can cause bleeding and induce the wound to drain pus. Swimming, on the other hand, may help to reduce blood pressure as well as the long-term problems associated with this condition. Basically, a cut or scrape that is exposed to salt water and then gets infected. The chemical has antibacterial properties that will not only kill germs in a swimming pool but on anything it comes into contact with, including your skin. Keep hydrated. Large scrapes, cuts that may need stitches, or cuts that bleed should be evaluated by a doctor to determine how long you should be out of the water. … Signs of infection usually arise two days after being exposed to bacteria and means you need to see your doctor to maybe start an antibiotic. Water is really important for your body and tissues. Rub warm water on the skin around your wound to relieve itches. Is it okay to swim in the streams and ocean with the cut? This is really important as dirty hands may transfer germs that can cause infection. 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. Generally, people are infected by V. vulnificus in one of two ways: Direct contact with open wounds – When you enter the water with fresh tattoos, cuts, scrapes, or punctures from fish spines or hooks, the bacteria can directly infect the wound. Such sensory memories would be incomplete without the saltiness of the water — the flavor of the brine as some seeps into your mouth, the sting of the water as it … If I'm still spouting rubbish on here come Friday you'll probably be ok. Posted 10 years ago The fact that it sounds like you are going to be swimming in a pool (you mention chlorine) and not "dirty water" such as a pond or lake, is beneficial as chlorine will kill most of the bacteria in the water. Q: I cut my leg the other day, it’s not a deep cut, but I’m planning on going to Hāna this weekend. Scrub with soap and water and then flush with fresh water as soon as possible after contact with the coral. Unless the water contains potentially deadly bacteria! Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. Large scrapes, cuts that may need stitches, or cuts that bleed should be evaluated by a doctor to determine how long you should be out of the water. I fell last night when I drunkenly decided to go for a late night run and scraped my knee up pretty good. Follow these tips to protect your child from cuts and wounds. Although further studies are needed to substantiate chlorinated water's effect on skin, many people affirm and enjoy the positive effects every summer. Modern medicine has also harnessed the power of saltwater. For years, doctors thought that cuts and scrapes heal better when they are dry. Saltwater was used in its natural form or dried, then mixed with other liquids to create saline solutions. Small cuts and scrapes need to be kept clean and out of the water for a minimum of 48 hours so the body has time to lay down a protective barrier. A little-known, deadly bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which naturally occurs in … Ask The Mayor: Can We Have Brighter Streetlights? Wounds, such as minor cuts, abrasions, or burns, can benefit from contact with chlorine. Smearing antibiotic ointments on old scrapes and cuts and then swimming in the ocean is different, of course. Often, minor cuts or even a mosquito bite improves after swimming in a pool. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. Signs of infection would be increasing warmth and redness, increasing pain or tenderness, or discharge from the wound. It's fine for children who have colds or other minor illnesses to swim, as long as they feel well enough to do so. Lawmakers to Discuss Lahaina Flood Control, West…, Instream Flow Standards Set for Two West Maui Streams, Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day on Maui, World Oceans Day at Maui Ocean Center, June 8, Moana to Premiere in ‘Olelo Hawai‘i at World Oceans Day. Swimming in saltwater is good for healing cuts and scrapes, so go swimming in the ocean. If you do go swimming with a cut, … Clean the wound. There's nothing like swimming in a lake, river, or the ocean on a hot summer day. For example, if the site begins to get infected but it's too numb to feel, you'll miss your body's warning sign telling you that you need help (e.g., a worsening degree of pain can signal an infection). Hi again! Please view at your own discretion. A wound is best kept moist and covered, because your body needs to grow new cells which need moist environment to grow better and faster. The Facts. It can be helpful to take a picture of your cut every day to see if it is getting better or worse. Coral polyps, the soft living material that covers the surface of coral, can be easily torn away from the rigid and abrasive structure underneath if you touch, bump, or fall on coral. If you do go swimming with a cut, you need to wash it out with an antiseptic and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage as soon as you get out of the water. Do not touch your wound with dirty hands. Skin infections are very common in Hawaiʻi with the warm tropical climate. Germs could infect your wound and you may expose other swimmers to germs and exudate coming from your wound. There are several low points in the Earth, and the Dead Sea is … This is why it’s highly useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis. Coral polyps, the soft living material that covers the surface of coral, can be easily torn away from the rigid and abrasive structure … Contrary to popular belief, wading in the ocean to heal cuts and scrapes isn't always the best idea. As the infection s… How do you guys deal with cuts and scrapes? This is particularly important if you cut yourself on any rocks or coral while you're … As such, many can’t wait to swim in the sea’s so-called “healing powers.” However, ocean or gulf water swimming does not always result in a positive, healing outcome. I'd hope common sense would keep me out of the pool with something like that, and I would expect that they wouldn't even let me in the pool. Skinned knees are practically a badge of summer. salt water can be used as a natural wound healing treatment, List Of Essential Oils For Healing After Surgery, 8 Best Night Splints For Plantar Fasciitis Review. Another precaution is not to swim with open cuts or wounds, as this provides a direct path for bacteria to enter your body. I've just been swimming with cuts and grazes all over my forarms, shins and back. Woundcaresociety.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. One favorite summertime activity, swimming, presents some hidden hazards that can put your child at risk of developing a rash or skin infection. Any cut or scrape is a potential entry point for these bacteria to get into your skin and cause an infection. When you have an open wound, it is not advisable to swim in any body of water. Exposing cuts and scrapes to the water. Rinse the wound with water. **The contents of this article such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this article (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. If you have been in the water with a cut, make sure to keep a close eye out for signs of infection. I love swimming and dread the idea of not being able to jump into my gym's pool for at least a week while healing up. Wash around the wound with soap. Keeping your wound bandaged and moist. Ocean water differs from river water in that it has significantly higher amountsof minerals, including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium. Log in. Coral scrapes and cuts are common injuries that may occur when you walk on a beach or swim, snorkel, or dive in warm water. It turns out, rivers, lakes, and oceans can contain bacteria that can cause everything from vomiting to potentially deadly infections. Coral scrapes Coral scrapes and cuts are common injuries that may occur when you walk on a beach or swim, snorkel, or dive in warm water. Sizable cuts or scrapes should be cleaned three times a day, says Dr. Bergfeld. On the other hand, her cut required 22 staples. The best treatment is to scrub it … Likewise, it's OK for children to swim with cuts and scrapes — as long as the wounds aren't bleeding. Is it OK to swim right after eating? In early Greece and Rome, saltwater and saline were used to heal scrapes, cuts, mouth sores and other skin irritations. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops. Saline (saltwater) is used to clean wounds and heal scrapes, cuts, mouth sores, tooth pain, muscle aches and much more. Your email address will not be published. If it’s a dirty cut, you should use an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide. When wounds are well protected and left undisturbed, they can heal more quickly. When you swim in a public pool, you are at the mercy of multitudes of tiny microbes looking for a home. Do not scratch the wound as it might damage the growing tissues. Experts in CHOP’s Dermatology Section share some things to watch out for to prevent some common summer skin infections. Top it off with ointment. It is one of the lowest points on Earth. Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune (where the immune system attacks healthy cells) skin condition. Lastly, you should make sure your tetanus vaccination booster is up to date at least within the past 10 years, and if not, you need to see your doctor or an urgent care clinic to have that updated. If I didn't swim every time I had a cut or a hangnail I'd probably just give up and never swim again. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests getting at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week to improve blood pressure 1. How long does it take to get rabies after a bite? I think anybody who has spent anytime around salt water has gotten a scrape or cut, while in the water. Chlorine is added to swimming pools in order to prevent the growth of bacteria in the water. The first thing you should do when you get any cut is rinse it under running water for 1-2 minutes and wash with soap. Coral polyps, the soft living material that covers the surface of coral, can be easily torn away from the rigid and abrasive structure underneath if you touch, bump, or fall on coral. Although Maui Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Keep knives, box cutters, nails, scissors, and tools in locked drawers or cabinets out of children's reach. People with prosiasis suffer often debilitating skin rashes made of itchy, scaly plaques. If the wound stings, rinse it with acetic acid (vinegar) or isopropyl alcohol (this action may reduce the effect of any irritating toxins such as those produced by fire coral). You should probably avoid Anbesol, for a few reasons: First, you want to be able to evaluate the level of pain you are experiencing. “If you have large cuts or wounds, … What to do if a dog bites you and breaks the skin? Preventing infection in a new marine cut or scrape is another story. So if you're swimming in a tropical paradise and have a few minor cuts, it's a good idea to clean them with sterile saline solution or antiseptic once you get out of the water, even if they look fine. 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