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Rower’s Hand Blister Treatment Guide

Introduction

Blisters are a common and nearly inevitable part of learning to row. As your hands adapt to the unique demands of the sport, they may develop these painful fluid-filled pockets. This guide will help you understand why blisters form, how to minimize their occurrence, and how to properly care for them when they do appear.

Natural Adaptation

Blisters are a normal part of the adaptation process as your hands toughen up for rowing. With time and proper technique, most rowers develop protective calluses that significantly reduce blister formation.

Common Rowing Blister Locations

Illustration showing the typical locations where blisters form on rowers' hands, particularly on the palms and base of fingers.

Prevention

Proper Grip is Key

The single most effective way to prevent blisters is to develop a proper rowing grip. Avoid gripping the oar too tightly - think "hold like a bird, not a hammer".

Grip Technique

The proper rowing grip technique is your first line of defense against blisters:

• Hold the oar with fingers, not palms
• Maintain a relaxed "hook" grip rather than a tight "death grip"
• Let the oar handle sit in the fingers with light pressure
• Think of "fingers as hooks, not fists"
• Allow the oarlock to do the work of feathering and squaring

Proper Oar Grip

Close-up demonstration of correct hand position on the oar handle, showing relaxed fingers and proper wrist position.

Gradual Conditioning

• Build up rowing duration gradually to allow hands to adapt
• Mix shorter and longer rowing sessions during the first few weeks
• Allow 1-2 days between sessions when first starting out
• Hand conditioning typically takes 3-6 weeks for most beginners

Additional Prevention Methods

Gloves

Rowing gloves can help prevent blisters, especially for beginners. Look for thin gloves designed specifically for rowing. Half-finger styles are popular.

Note: Some coaches discourage gloves as they can impede proper feel and technique development.

Tape

Pre-taping vulnerable areas can help prevent friction. Apply before rowing to areas that commonly blister. Athletic or medical tape works well.

Application: Apply to clean, dry hands. Cover just the vulnerable spots.

Hand Conditioning

Gradually toughening the skin through regular exposure to friction. Use hand conditioning creams at night, but not immediately before rowing.

Caution: Avoid excessive moisturizing before rowing as soft skin blisters more easily.

Treatment

When to Treat a Blister

Treat blisters when they:

1. Cause significant pain
2. Interfere with your rowing technique
3. Risk becoming infected
4. Have broken open

Treatment Steps

1

Clean the Area

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
• Gently clean the blister and surrounding area
• Pat dry with a clean towel

2

Assess the Blister

• Intact blister: If possible, leave it intact as the skin provides natural protection
• Torn blister: Keep the skin flap in place if possible as it provides protection
• Draining blister: May need drainage if very large or painful

3

Draining (if necessary)

• Only drain large, painful blisters
• Use a sterilized needle (flame or alcohol)
• Make a small hole at the blister edge
• Gently press to release fluid
• Keep the skin intact over the area

4

Protect and Bandage

• Apply antibiotic ointment for open blisters
• Cover with a bandage or specialized blister pad
• Secure with athletic or medical tape
• Change dressing daily or when soiled

Rowing with Blisters

If you need to continue rowing with blisters:

1. Protection options:
   • Cover with protective tape or bandages
   • Consider using specialized “second skin” products
   • For serious blisters, consider temporary use of rowing gloves
2. Technique modifications:
   • Maintain proper grip technique even with discomfort
   • Adjust grip slightly to minimize pressure on blisters
   • Don’t compromise technique for blister avoidance
3. Post-row care:
   • Clean and redress blisters after each rowing session
   • Allow blisters to air out when not rowing
   • Give hands extra recovery time if possible

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks)
• Severe pain that interferes with hand function
• Blisters that don’t heal within a week
• Fever or generally feeling unwell in conjunction with blisters

Long-Term Hand Care for Rowers

The Long-Term Goal

With consistent rowing and proper technique, your hands will develop protective calluses in the right places. These calluses protect while still maintaining sensitivity and flexibility needed for proper rowing technique.

Callus Management

• Keep calluses from becoming too thick or rough
• Use a pumice stone to gently smooth excessive calluses
• Moisturize hands regularly, especially after rowing
• Trim or file any callus edges that begin to catch on oar handles

Year-Round Hand Care

• Protect hands from excessive dryness in winter
• Apply hand lotion regularly when not rowing
• Use work gloves for non-rowing activities that may cause blisters
• Maintain regular rowing to keep calluses developed

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