What makes a plaster waterproof?

Waterproof plasters are made with a special film or material that prevents water from penetrating through to the wound. This keeps the area dry and protected even during activities like showering, swimming, or washing hands.

What type of water can I swim in with a plaster?

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.

When not to swim with an open wound

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.

Waterproof Plasters for Swimming and Showering

Published: May 2021

Last Reviewed: August 2025

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.

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.

Why it’s important to stop wounds from getting wet

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.

While chlorine keeps swimming pools clean, if you're swimming in the sea or in a lake then microorganisms in the water can cause infections.

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.

Do waterproof plasters stay on while swimming?

This depends on the quality of plaster you use. 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 Second Skin Plasters

Elastoplast Second Skin Plasters stay securely attached even when wet

Ideal for minor cuts, abrasions, scratches, blisters, and superficial burns, especially in areas that are hard to dress, Elastoplast Second Skin plasters use advanced hydrocolloid technology to create a moist healing environment that promotes faster, more efficient wound repair compared with traditional dry dressings.

These plasters are ultra-thin, highly flexible, and adapt to movement, making them feel virtually like a second skin. Their 100% waterproof yet breathable polyurethane backing ensures wounds remain protected during activities like showering or swimming.

New

Hydrocolloid Plasters

Second Skin Protection (6 pcs)

4.7 3 Reviews

Elastoplast Aqua Protect: 100% Waterproof

diagram of elastoplast aqua protect plasters

Elastoplast Aqua Protect has been specifically designed to protect wounds from water

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.

Wound Care

Aqua Protect

4.3 61 Reviews

Elastoplast Water Resistant

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. Learn more about wound healing in the Elastoplast Wound Care Routine.

Elastoplast Water-Resistant Plasters

Water Resistant

Water Resistant Plaster (40 plasters)

4.5 149 Reviews

Water Resistant

Water Resistant Plaster (20 strips)

4.5 149 Reviews

Water Resistant

Water Resistant Plaster (30 strips)

4.5 149 Reviews

Wound Care

Water Resistant Plaster (10 strips)

4.5 149 Reviews

No problem at all, easy to use and sticks well. Would definitely recommend.

Aimen

Large waterproof dressings for swimming and showering

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

Infographic showing that nine out of 10 users agree this dressing protects like a second skin

Elastoplast Second Skin Dressings are comfortable and support healing

Elastoplast Second Skin Dressings offer the same core benefits as the standard plasters:

Moist healing
Waterproof protection
Durable adhesion

However, their larger format is designed for bigger wounds such as deep cuts, surgical sites, or more substantial abrasions.

These dressings provide broad coverage while remaining discreet and comfortable. They also feature the 100% waterproof and breathable backing, making them suitable for active use and water exposure.

Hydrocolloid Plasters

Second Skin Protection XL (3 pcs)

Elastoplast Extra Tough Waterproof Plasters

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.

Extra Robust Plasters

Extra Tough Waterproof Plaster

4.8 156 Reviews

Elastoplast dressings for surgical wounds

Elastoplast waterproof plasters will not go off while washing or showering

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.

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.

Waterproof plasters: FAQs (3)

What makes a plaster waterproof?

Waterproof plasters are made with a special film or material that prevents water from penetrating through to the wound. This keeps the area dry and protected even during activities like showering, swimming, or washing hands.
What type of water can I swim in with a plaster?

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.
When not to swim with an open wound

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.

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.

Waterproof plasters for swimming and showering

Why it’s important to stop wounds from getting wet

Do waterproof plasters stay on while swimming?

Elastoplast Water-Resistant Plasters

Large waterproof dressings for swimming and showering

Elastoplast dressings for surgical wounds

Waterproof plasters: FAQs (3)

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