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When it comes to climbing, I know that one of my most valuable tools is my hands. They are essential for gripping, balancing, and pulling. That is why I ensure to take good care of them and keep them in good condition. If you fail to take care of your hands, rock climbing can take a toll on them, causing you to suffer from rips, blisters, and abrasions.
In this article, I will be sharing my rock climbing experience and how it affected my hands. I will also share some helpful preventive tips and recommend valuable products that would help you take better care of your hands as a climber. I hope you find it useful.
How Rock Climbing Affects My Hands
In all my years as a rock climber, I noticed that rock climbing can positively and negatively affect one’s hands. One major benefit I noticed is the development of thick calluses. These calluses protect the skin from cuts and tears and also help to improve grip. You could say they are a natural shield against minor injuries.
On the downside, regular rock climbing can cause a series of skin and hand injuries. Some of these injuries might seem insignificant, but can be very painful. They might even stop you from climbing for a certain period.
The following are some of the injuries you can incur as a result of climbing and how they can be treated.
1. Lacerations or cuts
Frankly, I have had my share of lacerations (cuts) as a rock climber. They are a very painful but unavoidable part of rock climbing. Sustaining a little cut is not a big deal, but the larger one can be painful and inconvenient. The best way to deal with cuts is to keep the wound clean and get it treated as quickly as possible.
Always go with your first aid kit anytime you want to go climbing. To treat lacerations or cuts, clean the wound first to avoid infection. Next, apply Medicine Skintegrity Wound cleansers and liquid bandages. The liquid bandage is self-applied, so you don’t have to worry about getting an extra hand.
2. Dislocation / Fracture
Dislocation is another popular injury that climbers suffer from. A bone is said to be dislocated when it shifts from its original position to assume a different position. On the other hand, a bone is said to be fractured when there is a break. The hand has a lot of joints and bones. Therefore, it is not uncommon to suffer dislocation or fracture on your hand.
Despite the severity, dislocation and fracture heal nonetheless. Whenever you have a fracture or dislocation, the first thing you should do is immobilize the affected area to avoid further damage. Clean your hands with a hand wash and apply some lotion bar.
3. Blisters
Blisters are not new to rock climbers. They occur when the friction leads to the separation of the upper layer of skin from the underlying layer. This creates a pocket of fluid that looks like a bubble. Blisters appear in varying sizes, from a tiny bubble to a large bubble that could cover up a large area of skin on your hand. They can be quite painful and at risk of infection. Treatment is quite simple, all you need to do is apply a recovery hand cream after cleaning the hands.
However, prevention is better than cure. You can prevent blisters by always keeping your hands clean and dry. You should also wear the correct type of gloves if at all you need to wear gloves. But if you do not wish to wear gloves, apply a generous amount of chalk on your palms before climbing.
4. Nail injuries
Nail injuries may seem insignificant, but it hurts just as much. Nail injuries usually occur when you knock your nails against the rock or when you get a piece of climbing equipment caught under your nails.
They can range from a small cut in the nail bed to a complete nail avulsion, where the whole nail is torn off. They can also cause inflammation and infection if not treated properly. While both finger and toenail injuries are possible, toenail injuries can be particularly challenging to deal with since they’re harder to reach and clean.
When I first started out, I knew very little about nail injuries, so I fell victim multiple times. But over time, I soon discovered some helpful preventive and curative tips. Some of those include trimming your nails properly before climbing, disinfecting and sealing the injured area with a liquid bandage, and seeking medical help immediately after.
5. Flexor tendon pulley system injury
I don’t know if you are familiar with this technique in rock climbing, known as “closed-hand crimping,” where the climber tightens their grip with a small hold with just their fingertips. This technique involves gripping with your fingertips while flexing them. Doing this puts so much tension on a part of your finger called the flexor tendon pulley system. Due to this stress, an injury known as flexor tendon pulley system injury can occur.
This unique injury is common among rock climbers, and it can result in severe pain, swelling, sensation, and reduced grip strength.
How I Take Care of My Hands
My hand care routine is quite simple and consists of just three steps. Fortunately, this simple routine has enabled me to take better care of my hands
● Before Climbing
Before climbing, I wash and moisturize my hands thoroughly. I also stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. I trim my nails short so they don’t get caught on the rock or break. These simple steps help keep my hands healthy and ready to climb.
One hour before climbing, I apply a non-greasy moisturizer and use climbing tape to protect my skin. This helps prevent drying and injury while climbing.
● During climbing
During climbing, I use chalk only when necessary and monitor my skin for damage. If I notice any cracks or tears, I smooth them out with a file or pumice stone.
You can also make use of hand gloves to protect your hands from cuts and blisters. However, be sure the gloves are not going to get in the way of your routine.
● After climbing
After climbing, I wash my hands thoroughly and apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer. I also use an antiseptic cream to heal any injuries. This helps keep my skin healthy and prevents infection.
Important and Simple Hand Care Tips
Apart from the routine simplified above, these are simple care tips you should also adopt.
1. Always carry a functional first-aid kit
Never forget to bring along your first aid kit, water bottle, and soap on every climbing trip. Always ensure that you replenish the contents of the first aid kit at regular intervals. As a climber, you should be responsible for your hands and skin. There is no better way to do this other than to adopt preventive measures and to be prepared to take action in case of any accident or injury.
2. Use climbing salve or hand lotion
Apply climbing salve or hand lotion on your hands at least once a day to keep the skin supple and healthy. Salves and lotion are essential for maintaining soft and healthy hands. However, getting the right salve and hand lotion is not always an easy task, but I can assure you that it is a worthwhile investment.
3. Reduce hot shower time
As a climber, avoid hot showers as much as possible. I know you might be tempted to jump into a hot shower after that strenuous climb. But if you do this, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Hot water peels off the calluses that serve as a protective cover on your skin, thereby exposing the skin to different kinds of injuries and infections. Always wear hand gloves if you ever need to wash in hot tubs or do the dishes.
4. Always hydrate
While avoiding hot water, note that the hands need some level of hydration to stay healthy. Staying hydrated and moisturizing the hands will help the skin repair itself whenever you sustain any injury. It also makes your calluses more durable over time.
Products Recommendation
There are a whole lot of products out there advertised as climber’s maintenance products. But out of this lot, I have carefully selected a few indispensable and effective products every climber should have. These products protect the hands against injuries and help them heal faster if injury is sustained. Some of these products include:
1. Climbing Balm or Salve
Climbskin Hand Cream protects the hands against splitting and sweat. Apply it before climbing and after climbing to keep your skin healthy and ready for more climbing. ClimbSkin Hand Cream is a product I highly recommend for climbers. It moisturizes and prevents dryness, cracking, and splits. It also helps protect skin from sun, wind, and other environmental stressors. It helps
improves grip and prevents excessive sweating, making it ideal for before and after climbing.
I got mine for $24. Sounds a bit pricey? Yeah, I know, but don’t worry, it is totally worth it.
2. Recovery Hand Cream
Recovery Hand Cream targets and reverses signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. It also protects your skin from sun damage and environmental factors. The formula is customized to target problem areas for smoother, firmer skin. It also helps your skin defend against free radicals, pollution, blue light, and chemicals.
If you want younger, brighter, and healthier hands, try Recovery Hand Cream by Joshua Tree Skin Care. Their After Sport Recovery Lotion contains arnica, which soothes and heals skin from the inside out. It is a great product for relieving soreness and bruising from climbing. For $19.99, you can purchase it using the link below.
3. Liquid Bandage
A liquid bandage is a quick, easy way to treat cuts and scrapes. It is a liquid that dries on your skin and forms a waterproof seal. This keeps dirt, germs, and water out. It also stops bleeding and reduces scarring. Note that Liquid bandages are only effective for smaller wounds. They are not suitable for deep, large, or infected wounds. To use a liquid bandage, clean and dry the wound, apply the liquid, and press it in place for a minute. It usually lasts about a week before it peels off.
If you are a rock climber the New Skin Liquid Bandage is one product you shouldn’t sleep on. It is waterproof and antiseptic. Therefore, it protects and heals cuts and prevents further damage. Another great thing about this product is that it forms a flexible, skin-like layer that doesn’t hinder movement or grip. For just $8.79, you can get one for yourself.
4. Skin File
Skin File is a tool that helps climbers remove rough patches and peeling skin and keep the skin supple and strong. Skin filing is one hand care routine you shouldn’t miss out on. It helps climbers feel more comfortable and perform better.
I recommend the Climbskin File because it is user-friendly, durable, and effective. The curved, double-sided design makes filing down calluses and rough spots easy. It is very portable and easy to use.
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5. Liquid Chalk
Liquid chalk is an alcohol-based solution with magnesium carbonate. It absorbs moisture to improve grip and can last longer than dry chalk. It’s a great option for hot, humid, or rainy conditions or for those with naturally sweaty or oily hands. However, liquid chalk can dry out the skin, so you should moisturize after use. I prefer liquid chalk over regular chalk, which gives me an even and long-lasting coverage. It also reduces the amount of dust in the air and on the holds.
I recommend Sportmedia pro-grade liquid chalk. It is a strong, slip-free grip with this liquid hand chalk. It’s perfect for use on weights, walls, and any other surfaces you need to grab. It’s clean and non-messy, so you can use it without worrying about leaving a chalky mess behind.
6. Gloves
Climbing gloves are used to protect the hands from injuries, colds, and abrasions. There are different types of gloves for different types of climbing, such as crack climbing, ice climbing, and belaying. Crack climbing gloves are designed to protect the hands from sharp edges, friction, and cold when jamming into cracks. They often have rubber pads on the palms and fingers for cushioning and traction. I wear gloves when climbing to protect my hands from friction and heat.
I like the Petzel Cordex gloves because they’re durable and comfortable. I use the Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger gloves if I want more finger freedom. When I need full-finger protection, I wear the Black Diamond Transition gloves.
7. Disinfectant
Disinfectant is important for cleaning our skin after an injury. It helps kill germs and bacteria that could cause infection. You can find antiseptic wipes and sprays at any pharmacy. Be sure to disinfect any injured areas before applying ointment or bandages. I recommend Medline Skintegrity Wound Cleansers.
This disinfectant spray is made with a gentle surfactant that allows quick and thorough cleaning of wounds without damaging healthy cells. The spray option removes debris and loosens protein using a nonionic surface. Its non-cytotoxic property won’t interfere with the wound healing process.
8. Nail clippers
Nail clippers are an important part of your hand care routine. They help you trim your nails and skin around them to prevent snagging and tearing. Note that keeping the nails and cuticles neat and trimmed reduces the chances of injuries to a large extent. With Kaasage Nail clippers, you can finally give your nails the treatment they deserve. These nail clippers feature sharp curved blades and non-slip handles, making trimming easy and safe. It is also suitable for cutting thick and ingrown nails.
9. Moisturizing cleansers
Moisturizing cleansers are perfect for washing your hands after climbing. They clean away dirt, chalk, and sweat without drying out your skin. They also contain ingredients that soothe and soften your skin. You can use them before or after climbing to keep your hands feeling fresh and healthy.
10. All Purpose Lotion Bar
I couldn’t end this list without mentioning the almighty Climb On lotion bar! It is truly a must-have for every climber. This product is made with the most natural ingredients, including Beeswax, apricot kernel oil, lavender, and vitamin E. All these ingredients are known to moisturize, soothe, and heal the skin. You can apply the lotion bar before or after climbing; it is such a versatile product with no strict rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing With Your Hands
Is climbing bad for my hands?
No, climbing is not bad for your hands. On the contrary, it makes the hands stronger and more able to withstand unfavorable conditions. However, if you are a professional climber who is always on the rope or a bouldering wall, climbing might have some harmful effects on your hands.
Should climbers moisturize their hands?
Definitely! As a climber, you should always moisturize your hands. Remember, your hands are your greatest tool. To prevent climbing-related hand injuries like flappers, cracks, splits, and tears, moisturizing is essential. It is best to apply the moisturizer at night before you go to bed.
What do rock climbers use on their hands?
There are a lot of great products climbers use to take care of their hands. However, in addition to these products, rock climbers adopt other special techniques, such as soaking the hands in cold water through the night to help with muscle recovery and joint health.
How do I treat rock climbing blisters?
Blisters are a common climbing-related injury, but they’re usually harmless and will heal within 7-10 days. The general rule is to leave the blister intact if possible. If the blister is causing severe pain, you can gently pop it with a sterilized needle. Don’t rip off the extra skin, though, as it protects the area from infection.
Are calluses good for climbing?
Calluses form on your fingers and hands when you climb often. They help you grip the rock and protect your skin from damage. For the best results, keep your calluses smooth and strong. To keep your calluses in good condition, file them down gently and moisturize regularly. That way, your skin stays smooth and strong.
How do I prevent calluses when rock climbing?
To prevent calluses and other skin damage while climbing, wear gloves. Gloves help protect your skin from the rock and friction from the rope. However, no preventive strategy is 100% effective.
