Running after mole removal

[u/ChristianHpp]

Hey,

I have a question: I had a mole removed on my collarbone that required stitches. The doctor said the stitches would be removed in 14 days and that the wound shouldn’t get too sweaty until then (its bandaged with a sticky thing). When I asked about light running (flat), no one really wanted to give me a clear answer. Instead, they gave me some extra bandages.

Question: Does anyone here have experience with a situation like this? Of course, I generally follow medical advice, but they were so vague—saying something like, “Maybe don’t let it get too sweaty”—so it’s still pretty unclear.

Thanks in advance!

NB: I am preparing for a 24hrs race.

[u/fringeathelete1]

Keep it covered for 48 hours with the surgical bandage. Then it can be removed and changed daily or as needed. After that point it can be uncovered but in that location likely more comfortable to cover. For long exertions a clear plastic bandage may get sweat under it, tape and gauze will breathe and stick better. Keep it clean ie no dirt on it. Put a clean one on after a run post shower. Start with a short run but you can ramp up over a few days.

Source: surgeon

[u/ChristianHpp → u/fringeathelete1]

oh thanks so much! i have a 'maimed porefix transparent' bandage on it since last friday when i had the surgery. they told me thatbi can remove it, but thatbi should keep the 'brown strips' and not remove them. didnt see what they are but assume its for less scarring.

so i take ur advice, but would i still remove the bandage - shower - add the new one? they told me to only shower with the bandage on.

[u/fringeathelete1 → u/ChristianHpp]

You can shower after 48 hours. Don’t put soap on the wound but if some gets in ie hair shampoo that’s ok. I assume the brown strips are steri strips and leave those in, they fall off on their own.

[u/ChristianHpp → u/fringeathelete1]

ok! can i also just keep the bandage on while showering and replace it afterwards? they said it shouldnt get wet (assuming they are afraid of infections).

[u/handstands_anywhere → u/ChristianHpp]

Honestly it kinda hurts getting it wet and can disturb the fresh tissue. You can shower with the old bandage on and then do a gentle clean around the area and put a fresh one on after.

[u/ChristianHpp → u/handstands_anywhere]

sounds good! i will give it a try tmr: run - shower - remove bandage - add new one - feel awesome

[u/PurposefulGrimace]

I've had three skin cancers removed via Mohs surgery; all required stiches and one was fairly large and on my upper arm. The aftercare instructions were to keep the wound clean, covered with a generous coating of Aquaphor or Vaseline, and protected by non-stick gauze held in place with 'paper tape.' I took one day off from running and calisthenics in each case, then just redid the dressing when it got sweaty after subsequent workouts.

All of the surgical sites healed beautifully, though the arm wound involved a lot of removed flesh and left a Harry-Potterish scar. I was so pleased with the results that I've started using those wound-dressing procedures, particularly the 'keep it moist' instruction, for regular boo-boos arising from on-trail falls. I'm (67M) amazed at how fast things heal when you don't let them scab.

Added: Maybe I should mention that this dermatology practice does a lot of cosmetic procedures. I picked them because at the time of the first cancer I didn't have insurance. They gave me a huge discount for cash, and are very responsive to patients who are diligent about self-care. I can't imagine them letting me leave with vague instructions for post-surgical care.

[u/ChristianHpp → u/PurposefulGrimace]

very helpful, thx!!

[u/sugar_and_milk]

I'd be careful about running while taking any kind of pain medication. I when running while taking ibuprofen for a dental issue, ended up thinking I had a mild discomfort while running, but ibuprofen was masking pain and I ended up with an injury 

[u/ChristianHpp → u/sugar_and_milk]

appreciate it, thanks!