Yes, you can shower and bathe as normal because you won’t have any open surgical wounds. Water will not harm the treated area, and keeping it clean is actually a good thing. We do suggest using lukewarm (not extremely hot) water and a mild soap on the treated skin to avoid extra irritation – basically treat it gently like you would a patch of sunburn. But you do not need to avoid getting it wet. After showering, pat the area dry with a soft towel rather than vigorous rubbing. If your doctor has given you a cream to apply, you would typically apply it after washing/drying the area. Swimming is generally okay in moderation, but be mindful if the skin becomes very irritated: chlorinated pool water could sting or overly dry the area, so some patients pause swimming towards the end of treatment if their skin is very sensitive. In the beginning, it’s usually fine. Avoid extremely hot tubs or saunas if the heat worsens the redness. But overall, hygiene is important – gently cleansing the area helps prevent any buildup of dead skin or risk of infection. Unlike after surgery, where you might be told “don’t get the bandage wet” for a period, here you don’t have that restriction. So you can carry on with your regular bathing routine. Just use common sense: gentle care, avoid harsh scrubs or loofahs on the area, and rinse off any chlorine or saltwater if you swim, then moisturize. If you ever doubt, ask us, but the general rule is normal bathing is fine during IG-SRT.
Category:
IG-SRT
