Diving with a Cold sore

Photo by Joey Nicotra on Unsplash
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ?
Here are a few issues you should consider
Here are a few issues you should consider
- Sun exposure or mechanical trauma from the mask and/or regulator may worsen the wound, creating a larger scab and lengthening the healing process.
- If the sore is bleeding, oozing or otherwise open, the risk of infection by pathogens in the water is significant. Cold sores can become complicated by bacterial infections, so it is important to wash them thoroughly with soap and water and keep them as clean and as dry as possible.
- If a mask skirt will be placed over the sore in a way that rubs or irritates it, then diving should be postponed. The same is true of the regulator; if holding it would cause irritation, then diving would not be recommended.
- Dive buddies should review procedures for buddy breathing in an out-of-air situation in light of the fact that cold sores are contagious. If gear is rented, ensure proper decontamination procedures are followed. Although it's unlikely, there is always a chance that resuscitation may be needed. Thus, precautions should be taken to prevent disease transmission. This is normally not an issue because barrier devices are readily available in most first aid kits.
- Treatments such as acyclovir or penciclovir and docosanol (Abreva) can soften the skin and promote healing. Topical numbing agents such as phenol and menthol may be used for comfort. See your doctor and begin using an over-the-counter product at the first sign of a cold sore; beginning antiviral therapy within the first 48 hours can speed recovery. We recommend you to go back to diving once the treatments are over, there are no more signs and symptoms related to the cold sore and there is total recovery of the ideal psycho-physical conditions.
Posted in Dive Fitness, Dive Safety FAQ, First Aid Training, Smart Guides
Tagged with Hepatitus B, Cold sores, Fenivir, Sun screen, Baacterial infections
Tagged with Hepatitus B, Cold sores, Fenivir, Sun screen, Baacterial infections
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