How to Treat Blisters in Rowing

No matter when blisters occur they can be extremely difficult to treat effectively. This is especially true in the pantheon of athletics. Nowhere is it more true than within the athletic endeavor that is competitive rowing. When rowing team member get a blister they don't have time to simply stop and let them heal. Instead they need to go on competing and practicing. But, if you don't take a break, how can you get rid of those pesky blisters?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Clean bandages
• Medical-grade tape
• Antibiotic soap and clean water
• Pin
• Antibiotic ointment

1. Start the entire process by washing your hands thoroughly with antibiotic soap and hot, clean water. Repeat this step any time your hands touch anything that has not been disinfected fully.

2. Disinfect the area around the blister by rubbing it with a clean bandage that's been soaked in rubbing alcohol.

3. Soak a pin in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to fully disinfect it.

4. Using the disinfected pin, pierce your blister and then softly squeeze the liquid inside of it out, soaking the liquid up with a soft, clean bandage. Leave the covering of dead skin behind as a natural bandage.

5. Apply antibiotic ointment liberally to the blister and the surrounding skin. Along with acting as a disinfectant this will also act as a lubricant during your rowing sessions and workouts.

6. Cover the blister with a fresh, clean bandage, securing it with the medical-grade tape.

7. If friction still occurs during your workout, try covering the top of the bandage and tape with petroleum jelly to further lubricate things.

8. Watch for signs of infection, changing your bandages daily and applying more antibiotic ointment. If infection occurs, seek immediate medical treatment,

Tips & Warnings

• Never "pop" a blister. Doing so can cause more damage.
• If you really need it then ask your coach for a day off practice to recuperate. Most coaches understand the benefit of letting you rest up so that you'll be ready for the next meet.
• Never file off callouses from previous blisters. This is your body's way of preventing future blisters. Removing the callouses will only create more problems in the future.
• If excessive pain, swelling, or redness takes place, cease your rowing activities and seek medical attention.

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