Proven Ways to Treat and Manage Climbing Blisters

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Any rock climber knows what it’s like to look at their hands or feet and see a few blisters. It’s a sign that you climbed hard that day! However, blisters are still injuries that need proper care so they don’t get worse. Luckily, treating a climbing blister is the same as treating any other blister, and some simple first-aid goes a long way. While you should wait for the blister to heal completely before climbing again, you could also take some steps to protect the blister if you’re doing more climbing.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Healing the Blister

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  1. Whether the blister is on your hand or foot, it’s important to protect it until it heals. Cover it with a loose bandage to prevent friction and tearing. Keep the blister covered and protected throughout the day so it heals as quickly as possible. [1]
    • If you use a sticky bandage, make sure the sticky part isn’t touching the blister. This will be painful to pull off.
    • Unless the blister ruptured or started draining, you don’t have to use any antibacterial cream on it.
  2. Any friction or pressure on the blister can delay healing, so do your best to keep pressure off of it. This is much easier on your hand then on your foot. Just be careful when you grab or lift anything and make sure the stress isn’t on the blister. If the blister is on your foot, try putting some moleskin around it to keep the area cushioned while you walk. [2]
    • If you got the blister while climbing, take a break for at least a few days and let it heal.
    • If you can’t avoid grabbing or holding things while you have a blister on your hand, then you can use some moleskin to pad the area and reduce pressure on the blister.
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  3. Even if you do your best to protect it, it’s still possible that the blister will rupture and start draining on its own. If there is liquid coming out of the blister, or you see any cracks or tears in it, wash it gently with soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly. Pat it dry, apply petroleum jelly to help the wound heal, and cover it with a fresh bandage. [3]
  4. Drain the blister if it’s painful. Doctors usually don’t recommend draining blisters because they provide a barrier for new skin to grow. If you aren't feeling too uncomfortable, it's best to keep the blister intact, but you can drain it if you’re in a lot of pain. Wash the blister with soap and water. Then sterilize a sharp needle with antiseptic. Poke a few holes around the blister edge and drain the liquid out. Wash the area again, apply an antibacterial ointment, then cover the blister with a fresh bandage. [4]
    • Don’t peel the dead skin off, even if the blister drains. Keeping it in place helps prevent infections.
    • You could also use petroleum jelly if you don’t have antibacterial ointment.
  5. Unfortunately, it’s possible for the blister to get infected. Monitor the blister for redness, pain, or pus, which all can indicate an infection. Call your doctor and get treatment to clear the infection up. [5]
    • You should also see a doctor right away if you have a circulation problem or diabetes. This could cause a serious infection.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Climbing with a Blister

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  1. Keeping the blister clean will help prevent infection, especially if it’s already popped or drained. Use a soap and water to gently cleanse the area around the blister. Pat it dry when you’re done. [6]
    • When drying the area, use a clean, dry towel or paper towel. Pat gently instead of rubbing, which could irritate the blister.
  2. Once the blister is clean and dry, swipe on a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline. [7] Keep it localized to the area of the blister and make sure you can completely cover it with bandages and tape, since you don’t want slippery ointment all over your hands while you climb.
    • Petroleum jelly will help reduce friction on the blister. If the blister has already drained and you have an open wound, it will also help lock in moisture and promote faster healing. [8]
  3. While climbing with a blister isn’t advised, you can still do it if you protect the blister properly. Start by covering the blister with a bandage or gauze wrap. Keep the bandage loose so it doesn’t cut off any circulation in your hand or foot. [9]
    • You could also use this same trick to protect any cracks or cuts on your hands before you climb.
    • If you used ointment or petroleum jelly on your hands, make sure it’s completely covered by the bandage to prevent slipping.
    • If you use non-stick gauze to cover the blister, secure it down with medical tape before wrapping it with climbing tape.
  4. You’ll need more padding than just a bandage to protect the blister while you’re climbing. Use standard climbing tape and wrap it around the bandage to secure it in place. [10]
    • Make sure the tape isn’t too tight or you’ll cut off circulation in your hands or feet.
    • Don’t put climbing tape over the blister without covering it with a bandage first. Otherwise you could tear the blister when you remove the tape.
  5. Always chalk-up well before you start climbing so you can maintain a good grip. [11] Chalking is always important when you’re climbing, but especially if you’re climbing with any injuries. Slipping can easily tear off a bandage and the blister itself, giving you a nasty cut.
    • You could also pre-coat your hands with liquid chalk. This dries up any moisture on your hands and provides a good base for the powdered chalk.
  6. If the blister is on your foot, then good shoes are the best way to protect it while you're climbing. Make sure they fit properly so they don't rub against the blister and make it worse. [12]
    • Wearing the right shoes is also a good way to prevent blisters in the first place, so always wear high-quality shoes when you climb.
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      Tips

      • People sometimes confuse blisters with calluses, but they aren’t the same thing. Calluses are hardened skin, which is actually good if you’re a climber. Blisters are fluid-filled bumps that can rupture and get inflamed.
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      • You can prevent blisters from forming in the first place by taping up parts of your hands that rub on the rocks.
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      Warnings

      • It’s always better to wait for the blister to completely heal before climbing again. If you tear the blister, you could be out of commission for even longer.
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      • If you get a blister while you’re climbing, it’s best to stop for the day. The blister could rip and cause an injury.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691
      3. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/friction-blisters-a-to-z
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691
      5. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/blisters#treating-blisters
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
      8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
      9. ↑ https://wmss.org.au/2019/06/06/climbing-101-climbing-injuries-basic-management/
      1. ↑ https://wmss.org.au/2019/06/06/climbing-101-climbing-injuries-basic-management/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/pkcCuOa11PM?t=98
      3. ↑ https://wmss.org.au/2019/06/06/climbing-101-climbing-injuries-basic-management/

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