Can you swim with a cold sore or blister?

Blisters are small fluid-filled bubbles that form when the skin is irritated or rubbed. While they may seem harmless, swimming with a blister can sometimes make things worse.

When your skin is wet for a long time, it softens and becomes more vulnerable to reopening or infection. If a blister bursts in water, especially in public pools, it exposes delicate skin underneath, which can allow bacteria to enter and slow down healing.

If your blister is still fresh or open, it’s best to keep it dry until the top layer of skin begins to harden. Once it’s healed and protected, you’re safe to go swimming.

Compeed® Blister Plasters are designed to help you move freely while protecting your skin, even in water. Their advanced hydrocolloid technology creates a waterproof barrier that seals your blister against dirt and bacteria, helping the blister heal faster while relieving pain and pressure.

Before heading to the pool, cover your blister with a Compeed® Blister Plaster to help reduce friction and prevent further irritation.

Yes – Compeed® Blister Plasters are fully waterproof. They stay firmly in place even when you’re swimming, showering, or working out.

Each plaster is made with hydrocolloid technology, which absorbs moisture from the blister while keeping water, bacteria, and dirt out. This sets the stage for healing and helps ensure the plaster doesn’t peel away easily, like regular ones often do.

Compeed® plasters are also discreet, flexible, and designed to stay on for several days – so you can swim, walk, and move comfortably without worrying about your plaster coming loose.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and typically appear around the lips. They can be itchy, sore, and highly contagious when active, which is why many people wonder if it’s safe to swim.

Swimming itself won’t make a cold sore worse, and the virus doesn’t spread through chlorinated water. However, the biggest risk comes from close contact – sharing towels, touching your sore, or being in direct contact with others’ skin can spread the virus.

If your cold sore is open, oozing, or just starting to form, it’s best to avoid swimming until it begins to heal. Once it’s crusted over or properly covered, the risk of spreading the virus is much lower.

That’s where Compeed® Cold Sore Patches can help. These discreet, waterproof patches create a protective barrier that:

• Shields the sore from water, bacteria, and contact

• Reduces the risk of spreading infection

• Helps promote faster, more comfortable healing

They’re perfect for everyday wear – even when you’re in or around the pool.

If you’re planning a swim while dealing with a cold sore or blister, a few simple precautions can help:

• Avoid swimming if your blister or cold sore is open or bleeding

• Always cover the area with a Compeed® waterproof plaster or patch

• Shower before and after swimming to help reduce bacteria

• Don’t share towels, lip balm, or pool accessories

• If your plaster starts to lift, replace it with a new one

• Keep spare Compeed® products in your gym or swim bag for quick use

Sometimes, it’s better to skip swimming for a few days to allow your skin to heal properly. Avoid swimming if:

• Your blister or cold sore is fresh, painful, or weeping

• The area looks red, swollen, or infected

• You have multiple blisters or a cold sore outbreak

• You’re unsure – in which case, check NHS advice or speak with your pharmacist

Taking a short break will help your skin recover faster and reduce the risk of complications.

You don’t have to give up swimming just because of a blister or cold sore. With Compeed®’s waterproof plasters and patches, you can protect your skin, stay comfortable, and get back to doing what you love – whether that’s swimming laps, heading to the spa, or spending time at the beach.