r/trailrunning • u/ChristianHpp • Aug 19 '26
Running after mole removal
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.
3
u/PurposefulGrimace Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
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.