New rowers commonly get blisters on their hands, and, without preventative measure, they are likely to recur until calluses develop. Gripping the oar handles too tightly contributes to blister formation. If the palms of your hands sweat, the moisture also contributes. A dash of baby powder to the hands can help keep them dry. Even if you aren't rowing while your blisters heal, protect them from pressure, friction, dirt and bacteria. Your hands are constantly coming into contact with possible sources of irritation and infection.
Step 1
Clean your hands with soap and warm water.
Step 2
Sterilize a needle with iodine or isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wipe it down using a piece of gauze. Apply the iodine or isopropyl alcohol to your blister and the skin around it, as well.
Step 3
Press the needle through the overlying layer of skin on your blister right at its border. Be careful not to penetrate the underlying layer of skin. Let the fluid drain and wipe it away with a clean tissue or paper towel.
Step 4
Spread antibiotic ointment over the blister and surrounding skin.
Step 5
Affix an adhesive bandage over the blister. Keep the area covered with a bandage for a few days, putting on a new, clean bandage at least twice a day.
Step 6
Wrap the affected hand with athletic or electrical tape if you're rowing again before your blister is fully healed. Avoid having creases or the ends of the tape on the palm of your hand, where you grip the oar, as it can cause irritation and new blisters.
Step 7
Watch the area of your hand where you got rid of the blister. See your doctor for treatment if the skin doesn't appear to be healing after a week, if you experience increasing pain or if you notice redness, inflammation, warmth, oozing fluids or other indications of infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Blisters do go away without intervention in a few days. If you decide to let yours heal naturally, soak the affected hand in hot water with Epsom salt for several nights in a row. Do so even after the blister breaks. Be prepared for it to sting.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Needle
- Iodine or isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Tissue or paper towel
- Adhesive bandage
- Athletic or electrical tape
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