1. Let Blisters Heal Naturally
Blisters can occur when you damage your skin while rowing. Repeated friction across the palms from the oars commonly causes blisters to form along the areas of contact. If the blister doesn't affect your rowing, leave it alone. Leaving the blister intact prevents infections from entering the skin, and the clear liquid inside the blister pads the area. Plan a week to 10 days without blister treatment before you body reabsorbs the fluid inside the blister. You may want to apply moleskin or use gauze padding to cover the blisters with a cushion. If you experience other symptoms, such as fever, or if you feel unwell, call your doctor. Blisters may indicate a more severe illness, such as herpes.
2. Drain a Painful Blister
When you row, the oar may exert too much pressure on your blister. Drain any painful blisters or blisters that restrict your rowing. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before puncturing your blister. Disinfect a small needle by heating it until it turns red and allowing it to cool or by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for three minutes. Carefully push the needle into the blister as close to your skin as possible, but don't rip your skin. You may need to soak rough areas first to allow the needle to penetrate the blister without difficulty. Most blisters release a clear liquid, but blood blisters release blood. Gently apply pressure to the top of the blister until the bubble is empty. Never drain burn blisters.
3. Protect Skin Blisters
Once you drain a blister, protect the exposed skin from germs. If you ripped the skin, trim the excess skin from the blister with a pair of sterilized scissors or nail clippers. Apply an antibiotic cream like Neosporin or Bacitracin to the area, and then cover the blister. Unless the bandage comes loose or gets wet, you can change the bandage daily. You may find blisters heal more quickly if you expose them to air when you aren't rowing or putting pressure on the area. Some people advocate making a tent in the bandage to allow air to reach the area. Keep an eye on the blister and notify your doctor if you notice any red streaks or pus.
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