How To Treat and Prevent Paddling Blisters
Natural Remedies and If, When and How a Blister Should Be Popped
Jun 26, 2009
The repetitive motion of paddling causes blisters on the hands of many paddlers. Blisters are the result of friction. The friction leads to separation of the fragile outer layer of skin from the firm collagen foundation. The space created eventually fills with fluid that seeps from the tissue below. While not unusual to avid paddlers, blisters can be annoying and it's best practice to get rid of them in the simplest, fastest way possible.
Treatment of Blisters
Once a blister has formed, a paddler needs to have a barrier between the injured skin and the object causing the friction. This could come in the form of a waterproof glove. Other treatments include applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the area to minimize the friction and protect the skin. Some paddlers tape the area with a waterproof tape, like zinc oxide tape. And others find that using inexpensive cosmetic sponges, cut out around the blisters, and secured in place with first aid tape, will enable them to continue paddling without pain or popping the blisters.
Natural Remedies For Treating Blisters
Icing the blister can help take out the sting and applying an herbal salve with calendula (pot marigold) can help speed the healing of blisters. Other herbs that work in salves to heal blisters are comfrey, aloe, yarrow, and echinacea.
Dr. Veronica Hayduk, a naturopathic physician, believes the real magic is in raw organic honey. The raw organic honey should be slathered on the blister and then covered with a bandage to let it soak. The honey works quickly to help heal the blister by drawing out the moisture and with it any bacteria that has the potential to cause infection. The raw honey could also be used as a lubricant, similar to petroleum jelly, only it's all natural.
US Rowing recommends the use of cold, wet tea bags to treat their rowing crew who suffer from blisters. Although it may sting, holding the cold wet tea bags over a blister allows the tannic acid to act as a sort of anesthetic and hardener, especially on the tender first days of blister formation. Some staining of the hands may occur but it is important not to wash or wipe the hands after application. The use of tea bags helps to dry out the blister and draw it to a head so it will heal faster.
When and How to Pop a Blister
According to The American Medical Association's Handbook of First Aid and Medical Care (Random House Reference, 2009), the best way to handle blisters is to leave them alone as they will generally heal on their own. If the blister accidentally breaks open, exposing raw skin, it should be washed gently with soap and water and covered with a sterile bandage.
On the other hand, if the blister is large, or is likely to be broken by routine activity, as is often the case with avid paddlers, the blister can be popped. The AMA Handbook suggests the following steps for popping a blister if medical help is not nearby:
- Gently clean the area with soap and water.
- Sterilize a needle by holding it over an open flame.
- Puncture the lower edge of the blister with the needle.
- Press the blister gently to force out the fluid.
- Cover the area with a sterilized bandage.
- Be on the lookout for signs of infection (redness, pus or red streaks leaking from the wound. Seek medical attention promptly if any of these symptoms appear.
Prevention of Blisters
Dr. Hayduk says there are ways to keep the body healthy that will aid in the prevention of blisters. Stay hydrated, especially when exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Intake of proper amounts of water will help keep the tissue of the hands plump. Get adequate nutritional support from fish oil and vitamins. These essential fatty acids help cells turn over quickly. Increasing intake of antioxidants such as Vitamins A and C helps prevent infections and boost circulation, thus improving healing.
Overall, it is best to keep blisters protected, especially in the early stages of healing so that new layers can form, and form stronger, allowing paddlers to get back on the water as soon as possible.
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