Don’t let blisters sideline you from baseball: Stay in the game with DuraDerm SPORT

June 27, 2024

Conquering the blister battle: A guide to prevention and treatment for baseball players

You step onto the mound, ready to unleash a fastball. But a sharp pain in your finger disrupts your focus. Yep, it’s that familiar sting of a blister. From tee-ball to the major leagues, baseball blisters can be a challenge. Just like Cincinnati Reds’ pitcher Nick Lodolo, who landed on the IL for a finger blister in June, these pesky bubbles can sideline you for days, impacting your performance and stealing precious playing time.

So here’s your game plan! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to both prevent and treat these common blisters, ensuring you stay on the field and focused on the game, not the pain in your hands.

What’s in this guide:

Blister breakdown: Knowing your baseball nemesis
Prevention is key: Building your defense
Blister treatment and care: Early intervention is key
DuraDerm SPORT: Your secret weapon in blister prevention and healing
A pitcher’s story: Back in the game with DuraDerm SPORT
Get DuraDerm SPORT and dominate the diamond!

Blister breakdown: Knowing your baseball nemesis

Friction is the culprit behind most baseball blisters. Repeated rubbing against bats, baseballs, and gloves irritates the skin, leading to fluid build-up and those painful bubbles. Depending on your grip and position, different types of blisters can develop:

Pitching blisters: These most commonly occur on the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the throwing hand. The constant friction of gripping the ball and releasing it, especially in humid environments where sweat increases friction, can irritate these areas. The middle finger, as the last point of contact on a fastball, is particularly susceptible.
Hitting blisters: These can appear in two main areas:
- Lower palm: Friction from the bat knob can cause blisters on the lower part of your palm where the knob makes contact.
- Top of the palm/base of fingers: Gripping the bat can lead to blisters at the top of your palm, particularly below the middle finger, due to repeated pressure and friction.

Beyond the initial discomfort, blisters can significantly impact your performance. If a blister gets infected, this could force you to miss even more games.

Prevention is key: Building your defense

There are several ways to prevent baseball blisters from occuring in the first place:

Proper equipment:

Well-fitting glove: A glove that fits snugly minimizes excess movement and reduces friction points.
Padded batting gloves: Using batting gloves with padded grips absorbs shock and cushions your hands from repeated bat contact.

Grip techniques:

Consult a coach or trainer: They can analyze your grip and suggest adjustments to minimize friction against the bat or ball.
Focus on minimizing contact: Aim for a smooth, controlled grip that doesn’t rely on excessive pressure or rubbing.

Keeping hands dry:

Drying agents: Consider adding a thin layer of baby powder or cornstarch powder inside your batting gloves. For pitchers, utilize a rosin bag, dry towel, or even a rice bucket to absorb moisture between pitches or innings.
Antiperspirant sprays: Apply a light coat of antiperspirant to your hands before playing. This helps reduce sweat production, minimizing friction and the risk of blisters.
Fingernail length: Keep your fingernails trimmed and smooth to prevent them from digging into your skin and causing irritation.

Blister treatment and care: Early intervention is key

The sooner you address a blister, the faster it will heal and the less likely it is to become infected. Here’s what to do if you find yourself with a blister:

Cleanliness is crucial to prevent blister infection

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the blister. Gently clean the area around the blister with a mild antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide.

Early intervention: Treating small blisters and recognizing when to seek help

For small, intact blisters: Leaving them alone and protecting them with a bandage may be sufficient. Consider using a hydrocolloid bandage or a liquid bandage to create a protective barrier and promote healing.
For large, painful, or high-friction blisters: Consult a healthcare professional for advice on draining.

While traditional methods like bandages can offer some relief, DuraDerm SPORT provides a more comprehensive approach to blister prevention and treatment.

Proper bandaging: Protecting your blister for optimal healing

Choose a sterile bandage or product that will protect the blister and prevent further irritation. Look for bandages designed specifically for blisters, which often have a hydrocolloid dressing to promote healing. Liquid bandages can also be a good option, as they form a waterproof and flexible barrier that protects the blister and allows it to heal.

Watch for signs of infection: Early detection is key

Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

DuraDerm SPORT: Your secret weapon in blister prevention and healing

DuraDerm SPORT is a go-to solution in the fight against blisters. This innovative liquid bandage offers a convenient and effective solution for both blister prevention and treatment while providing relief and minimizing discomfort.

Here’s how DuraDerm SPORT can help you stay active:

Minimizes friction: DuraDerm SPORT forms a breathable, protective barrier on your skin, reducing friction and preventing blisters from forming in the first place.
Promotes healing: DuraDerm SPORT’s advanced formula creates an optimal healing environment, promoting healing of existing blisters.
Infection prevention: The liquid bandage creates a physical barrier that kills germs on contact and helps shield the blister from dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause infection.
Waterproof and breathable: DuraDerm SPORT’s flexible, breathable barrier stays effective and in place, keeping your blisters protected and comfortable.
Easy application: DuraDerm SPORT goes on clean, dry skin with a cotton swab or our convenient applicator and dries quickly to form a protective barrier.

A pitcher’s story: Back in the game with DuraDerm SPORT

DuraDerm SPORT empowers players of all ages to stay on the field, as evidenced by Alex Herbst’s experience:

“This is a game-changer for baseball players,” says Alex, a former collegiate baseball player.

“As a two-way player, my hands would continuously harden and crack from the hundreds of swings in the batting cage and dozens of curveballs thrown every week. At times, blisters would cause me to miss multiple days throwing or in the cage. After unsuccessfully combating these issues with lotions and Band-Aids, I tried DuraDerm SPORT. I tried it hoping that it would help prevent the nagging blisters and calluses on my hands from the repetitive swinging and throwing that comes with baseball training.

The product was terrific. The results were immediate. Not only did it take away the pain of the blister, but it provided the barrier I needed to continue my training. I was able to essentially eliminate absence due to injury. DuraDerm SPORT kept me in the game.”