Scuba depth and scars

[ShallowGal]

In a conversation today with a friend that was in the Navy, he spoke about the possibility of body scars starting to open up at certain depths. Is this true? If so, what depth are we talking about?

Thank you.

Jen

 

[Andy077]

Do you mean fully healed, old scars, or recent ones?

 

[vladimir]

In a conversation today with a friend that was in the Navy, he spoke about the possibility of body scars starting to open up at certain depths. Is this true? If so, what depth are we talking about?

Thank you.

Jen

There is no depth where scars open up, so you don't have to say shallow, ShallowGal.

 

[Dr Deco]

Hello ShallowGal:

This is a new one on me. Underwater, pressures equalize. Inside the body the same pressure is the same as the surrounding water. Thus, it is not possible that a sore would “pop open."

There is a possibility that what is referred to is the softening of the skin by long-time immersion in the water. In this case, it would appear that the water pressure caused this.:cool2:


Dr Deco :doctor:

 

[scubadada]

Hi ShallowGal,

I recently went to Little Cayman and started diving 19 days after revision of my left total hip replacement. My incision was fully closed, and luckily for me, stayed that way during the 18 dives and 19 1/2 hours I spent underwater.

On a more serious note, you have nothing to worry about.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Akimbo]

I have heard the phrase used more as a figure of speech rather than being a literal medical description. It is well known that some people suffer more frequent DCS pain symptoms at previously injured joints.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/5272509-post10.html

At some macro level the statement might be valid, but not as most people would perceive it. More likely the scar tissue causes reduce circulation and out-gassing issues. Ask your Navy buddy, it would be interesting to hear the response.

 

[Tonyroberto]

Hi I was booked in for a deep dive underwater welding course for 9 weeks. I went to have my medical and almost passed with flying colours until i took my shoes and socks off. Iv had many opoerations on my feet 10 on one and 8 on the other and there is lots of scar tissue. Because of this i was told no chance of deep diving but recomended me to try scuba diving. Iv been scuba diving for 2 years and love it. My worry is how deep i can go. I would like to do my deep speciality so i can visit some wrecks but unsure on what kind of depth i can do. My qualified limit is 30 meters only and would like to do the next stage of 40 meters. Any information on this would be much appreciated.

Tony

 

[Dr Deco]

Hi Tonyroberto:

I doubt that any scars would open from water immersion. I have not heard of this occurring.

 

[knowone]

Dr Deco.

What's with the Anubis dude wearing the gold lahma horsecollar and X shorts?

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Tonyroberto,

Opening of these scars as a result of deep diving appears an unwarranted concern. The doctor who indicated "no chance of deep diving" may have been concerned about derangements of blood circulation and off-gassing in the affected pedal areas, or about the strength and flexibility of the foot.

There is no science or medicine that can advise one with any precision on how deep is deep enough to possibly pose risks related to multiple foot surgeries. However, it would appear that given repeated dives to 30m extending max depth to 40m would pose only a very minimal extra theoretical risk, if any. As an aside, 40m still is within the depth range generally described as recreational diving.

It might be prudent to re-inquire of the original physician, or perhaps to obtain a second opinion by a recognized diving medicine expert.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.