Climbing hand injuries are common among climbers, especially those who practice bouldering and rock climbing. One of the most common injuries that climbers face is climbing hand flappers. But what are climbing hand flappers, how can they be prevented, and what can you do if you get them?
Climbing hand flappers are injuries to the skin on your hands that occur when the skin tears away from the underlying tissue. This can happen when your skin gets caught between two rough surfaces, like a rock and a climbing hold, and is pulled away. It can also occur due to excessive friction on the skin caused by repetitive climbing movements, which can result in a tear on the skin.
The most common sign of a climbing hand flapper is a patch of skin on your hand that has torn away, leaving a raw, exposed area of flesh. This area can be very painful, and if not treated properly, can lead to infection. Some climbers choose to continue climbing with hand flappers, but this can make the injury worse and prolong the healing process.
Prevention is key when it comes to climbing hand flappers. One of the best ways to prevent this injury is to make sure your hands are as smooth as possible. This means filing down any calluses or rough areas to ensure that there are no rough edges on your skin that could be caught between surfaces.
Another way to prevent hand flappers is to use chalk. This not only helps to keep your hands dry and improve grip, but it can also reduce the friction between your skin and the climbing surface. Chalk should be applied generously, and often, during climbing sessions to ensure that your hands stay as dry as possible.
If you do get a climbing hand flapper, then the first thing you should do is clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. This will reduce the risk of infection and also help to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in the wound.
Once you have cleaned the wound, you can use an antiseptic solution, like hydrogen peroxide, to kill any remaining bacteria. It may also be helpful to use an antibiotic ointment to keep the wound moist while it heals.
To protect the wound while it heals, you can use a bandage or tape. This will help to keep the wound clean and free from further damage. It is important to change the bandage regularly to prevent infection and ensure that the wound is healing properly.
If the injury is severe, or if it is not healing properly, then it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help fight off infection or speed up the healing process.
Climbing hand flappers are painful and inconvenient injuries that can take weeks to heal. However, with proper prevention and care, you can reduce your risk of getting this injury and ensure that you recover as quickly as possible if you do get it.
Climbing hand flappers are a common injury among climbers, but they can be prevented with proper hand care and the use of chalk. If you do get a hand flapper, then clean the wound thoroughly, use an antiseptic solution and antibiotic ointment, and protect the wound with a bandage. Seek medical attention if the injury is severe or is not healing properly. Remember, prevention is key, so take proper care of your hands to reduce the risk of climbing hand flappers.