Gymnastics requires a great deal of strength, especially on events that involve bars or rings. But these events can take a toll on the hands, especially the formation of blisters. Blisters form as small bubbles on the skin filled with fluid. Although rarely dangerous, the discomfort and pain from blisters can make performing in gymnastics more difficult. As such, it's important to understand some of the treatment and prevention options available, so that you can perform at your best.
Causes
Gymnastic blisters develop because of friction on the skin during gymnastic practice or events. Blisters are more common in gymnastic events that involve grasping a bar or rings. These events cause great pressure on the skin as the weight of your body pulls down on the equipment, mixed with the movement of the rings or bars against the palm and the pads of the fingers. At first, the skin may be irritated and red from the friction, but as the skin experiences more friction, the layers of skin separate and fill with fluid, causing a blister.
Basic Treatment
A blister is typically not a serious health issue, but there are steps that need to be taken to prevent possible infection. First, clean the area gently with running water and antiseptic soap. Dry the area and place an antiseptic on the blister. Wrap the blister in gauze, or place a bandage over the area. If the skin is torn, cut away the remaining tissue flaps first to prevent the flaps from catching and tearing away at the surrounding healthy skin. Check on the healing progress every few days and replace the bandage as needed. Tufskin adherent and mole skin can also be used around the blister in the place of a bandage for greater protection.
Draining a Blister
Blistered skin should be kept intact as long as possible to protect the blistered area from exposure to bacteria or other microorganisms. Keeping the skin intact also prevents the nerve endings from being exposed, which reduces the pain of the blister. But there are some cases where you may need to drain the blister because of pain or interference with your event. To drain a blister correctly, first wash the area with soap and water. Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol. Take the needle and barely poke through one of the edges of the blister. Poke more holes around the edge of the blister until the area is drained. Immediately apply an antiseptic to the area, dry the skin and place a bandage over the area for protection.
Prevention
Blisters are a normal part of life in gymnastics, but there are ways to help reduce your risks of developing them. The main course of action to prevent blisters is to place some form of barrier between your hands and the equipment to prevent friction. Several items can be used depending on your personal preference including properly wrapped athletic tape, or grips. Even if you continue to perform gymnastics without protection, eventually calluses will form, which will act as a natural form of protection against further blisters.
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