BLISTERS |
| Self-Help Supplies |
All of the supplies needed or necessary that
are mentioned in our rehab guidelines and rehab exercising self-help
programs are available in our Bookstore.
Blisters are one of the most common reasons that riders DNF
(Do Not Finish) or DNS (Did Not Start) the race. If you don’t
learn how to prepare for this raci41 problem then be prepared
to get beat by someone who did! On a percent scale the above
problem occurs about 20% to 40% of the time at any race. They
range from mild and seemingly harmless blister problems to multiple
sever blisters with large areas of skin laceration.
Let’s take a closer look at the above rider problems and
what we can do to prepare, prevent, or minimize them so that
we can have better race results this year. |
| What is a blister? |
Blisters are a swelling of the skin due to
an entrapped watery matter. An excessive rubbing or burning
over the effected area causes them. The most common site for
blisters are located on the hands. And less seldom on the feet.
The most common rider reasons that cause blister are:
1. Extended-riding times
2. Improperly caring and trimming calluses
3. Improper fitting gloves
4. Wearing wet gloves
5. Improper fitting handle bar grips
Some of the better ways used to eliminate or keep blisters from
forming are:
1. Rasp or razor trim the calluses every two to three weeks
or whenever necessary, to
remove excess
callus build-up or the harden top surface layer
2. Use a combination of skin prep spray, Dr. Scholl's callus
pads, and elastikon tape
as a protective
covering over the hands each time you ride, if necessary
3. Get a pair of properly fitting gloves
4. Wear dry gloves each Moto or ride
5. Change the handle style, its location relative to the triple
clamps, or handlebar grips
Caring for the blisters after their formation is very important
if you want to continue riding. The below outline is what I
use to care and treat blisters during raci41.
1. Use a sterile needle to lance the blister at the skin surface
level and drain the
watery fluid from
the site. Do not tear or remove the protective layer of surface
skin,
if at all possible, until two or
three days later.
2. If the blister has already torn the skin then:
a. Trim the blister’s surface skin flap off
b. Taper trim the skin at the margins around the blistered area
c. Fit the correct size Dr. Scholl pad over
the site
d. Place a dab of Neosporin
into the open area of the Dr. Scholl’s pad and onto the
blistered surface
only and spread with a Q-tip
e. Spray
only the palm of the hand (not the finger or wrist) with tape
prep and allow
drying for a few minutes
f. Place
a layer of Elastikon around the palm, bordering along the finger-palm
line
and over
lap it a few inches on the back side of the hand
g. Check the taping procedure by having the rider sit on the
bike and squeeze the
handlebar grips checking for proper tape fit and elimination
of pain
Side Note:
you may need to apply a second layer of elastikon tape either:
Directly on top of the first layer or
2. Starting approximately one inch in from the first layer.
This layer is used to cover
blisters
that exist towards the heel of the palm, as well.
Below is a handy supply list of materials to purchase to handle
the above blister problem.
Blister Supply List
1. A rasp and sand paper (Dr. Scholl’s display) (drug
store)
2. A small box of single edge razors (drug store)
3. A variety of Dr. Scholl’s callus pad coverings (drug
store)
4. A tube of Neosporin (drug store)
5. Some sewing needles
6. Some Q-Tips
7. 2 or 3 rolls of 2-inch Elastikon tape (athletic supply store)
8. One can of skin prep (athletic supply store) |
| General Supply List for treatment
of Burns, Wounds, & Blisters |
The treatment supply list needed for initial
self management of burns and wounds are:
1.
2nd Skin
2. Neosporin
3. Elastikon
tape
4. Large Band-Aids
5. Non—adherent
sterile 3" x 4" pads
6. Hair clippers (battery
or electric operated)
7. N-1 ceramic magnets
8. Zip Lock baggies
9. Ice and water
10. Blanket for treating shock
We have available the above supply list in our bookstore |
| SUMMARY |
Blisters can be prevented or treated using
the above proven prevention and treatment methods. They are
a relatively small and simple problem that has kept many riders
from competition. Remember this; "Spending as much time
on the rider’s body getting it ready to race is just as
important as getting the bike ready".
In my mind the rider’s needs are always more important
than the bike’s needs. Knowing how to take care of simple
problems before they become big problems is very important in,
"Racing To Win".
Let me put this to you in another way. If something breaks on
the bike the problem is generally repairable to 100% operational
within an hour. If something breaks on the rider the problem
could require weeks or months to heal. Remember here, the injured
area will never reach 100%. Also, the rider’s repair bill
cost a lot more than the bikes.
The best solution and answer to rider problems is through rider
education and prevention. Let’s make this year the safest
year for all riders and, at the same time, improve your rider
care knowledge and race results.
If you are having a rider care problem e-mail us so we can resolve
the problem together and publish a rehab method or remedy in
the library. |
|
