waterproofing sores

[jann1033]

i have a vascular ulcer due to an av malformation that is normally broken open( not ozzey pus infected, just the skin isn't healed.) so normally i do not swim...however this trip the fam. wants to go to a water park and it kills me to have to pay to get in and not get to go on anything ( cheap cheap cheap)

does anyone know of any kind of water proof covering i can use. obviously it would have to not let water in or out and since it's on my ankle, no way i can just hop all day. if not i guess i'll just have to sit it out but that 's a bore

 

[binkyboots]

wow, dh has a leg ulcer too, we were lucky last time, it healed up in time for our trip, what to do about swimming with it was a big worry for us.

I've never found anything suitable, the nearest thing is a cast protecter, but it's really meant for bathing at home, not long soaks.

last time his was open we just really got aggresive in our treatment of it, four layer compression bandages, potassium permanganate soaks, elevation and rest. plus a large dose of multivitamins each day.


best of luck to you, leg ulcers are just awfull.

 

[Michigan]

I just bought some bandages in Florida last month at the CVS. I think they are by nexcare they are called something like absolute water proof. They are very expensive I think like $6.00 or $7.00 a box of 5 or 6. My daughter had a pressure sore on the back of her leg and they really worked.

 

[minkydog]

If you just need to cover it for a day, try Tegaderm. We use it at the hospital to keep wounds covered and dry. Also over IV sites to keep out germs. I used it on my DH with he had a slow-healing wound so he could take his aquatic PT

 

[SueM in MN]

3M makes Tegaderm. Their brand products for home use is Nexcare.

 

[seashoreCM]

A waterproof bandage will get soaking wet inside due to sweating. You may want to change it a few times during the time you are at the water park.

Health hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/health.htm

 

[jann1033]

Thanks so much . i routinely do the compression and wet to dry then sivedine ointment but the "hole" remains oh well what can do,,,,I'll look into these things...

now an ethical question...iyo would it be wrong to go into a pool even with a waterproof covering...i mean gross for other people. obviously i wouldn't do it if it were infected( although there is probably so much chemical stuff in the water it would cure all ills ) but what about just the sore don't want to show up on the"shocking" thread

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks so much . i routinely do the compression and wet to dry then sivedine ointment but the "hole" remains oh well what can do,,,,I'll look into these things...

now an ethical question...iyo would it be wrong to go into a pool even with a waterproof covering...i mean gross for other people. obviously i wouldn't do it if it were infected( although there is probably so much chemical stuff in the water it would cure all ills ) but what about just the sore don't want to show up on the"shocking" thread

You may very well be prevented from going into the water. I know a lot of pools don't allow any type of adhesive bandages on because if they come off, they get caught in the filters.
You might also be "reported" by people who see your wound. I would be more concerned about contact with your wound (things like sitting on a chair directly with the wound). Some other things to consider are that water is not sterile (even with all the chemicals) and the chemicals might irritate the wound if any water seeps under the bandage. You should probably talk to your wound care specialist before you try this out.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Tegaderm is waterproof, but that is more to keep water out (like when taking a shower, washing, etc.) I don't know that it has been tested for being soaked continually and getting rubbed like might occur in a water slide.

 

[bopper]

How about the "Active-Flex" from Band-aid?
http://www.bandaid.com/new_products.shtml

 

[jann1033]

i wasn't really planning on water slides, playing with my 2 yr old g baby in the kiddie area was more what i had in mind. i have to wear a compression bandage or jobst stocking at all times over the dressing i use so it wouldn't be "exposed" as in you could see it but since none of those are waterproof, the dressing wouldn't work it if got wet . if i could water proof the area if it did get wet( not sure how it is set up there having never been) it wouldn't matter. if it's like the water jet type thing,probably not a problem really if i could get something waterproof just in case it got wet but if it's more of a pool area, that would be more of a problem. maybe if i can get the thing healed and have it last for more than a day then i won't have to worry . guess i 'll just have to see but i wondered if anyone knew of a "miracle" bandage . maybe i can talk them into just going to the pool cause i know if i don't go husband won't go even though he'd want to.

 

[spotdog]

I am not sure I entirely understand your situation. It sounds like you really want to enter the shallow areas to supervise and play with your 2 yr old. You also need to keep your one ankle dry.

At my workplace, I have seen people use a device which has wheels and allows them to support their weight on their one knee, while keeping their foot and ankle at a 90 degree angle. This would also keep the foot and ankle up about 18 inches and out of the shallow water of the little kids play area.

I'm not sure something like this would work for you. Just a suggestion.