Protecting Wound Dressings During Showering: Evidence-Based Methods
How to protect a wound dressing in the shower?
The Quick Answer
**Waterproof transparent film dressings** (Tegaderm™, Opsite™) provide reliable protection for intact wounds. For larger dressings: cover with plastic wrap secured by medical tape, then place limb inside sealed plastic bag. Avoid direct water spray on protected area. Limit shower to <10 minutes with lukewarm water. **Never soak wounds**—even with protection, prolonged exposure risks moisture accumulation under dressings causing maceration and bacterial growth.
Why We Ask This
Patients believe 'waterproof' means 'submersible,' leading to prolonged showers or baths that saturate dressings despite surface protection—causing periwound maceration that expands wound size and introduces pathogens through compromised skin barriers.
The Practical Science
Waterproof films maintain integrity for brief water exposure (<10 minutes) but fail with prolonged immersion due to adhesive degradation and edge lifting. Plastic wrap provides mechanical barrier but requires meticulous sealing at proximal edge to prevent capillary wicking. Combined approach (film + wrap + bag) creates redundant protection for high-risk wounds.
In Clinical Practice
A patient with abdominal incision covers dressing with Tegaderm film, wraps torso with plastic wrap extending 4 inches beyond dressing edges, and directs shower spray away from protected area for 7 minutes. Post-shower inspection confirms dry dressing with intact seal—enabling continued healing without disruption versus saturated dressing requiring immediate change and wound re-assessment.
References & Context
A Succinct Guide to Waterproofing Dressings"Apply your waterproof bandage as per the instructions. Stretch it out over the wound to ensure it fully covers it. If you are going swimming or showering, keeping your wound dry will be especially important. On top of a waterproof bandage, you can use a plastic/rubbish bag to cover your wound for added protection."