Friction blisters are a frequent issue for golfers, caused by the repetitive mechanical friction of the skin against a club grip or the inside of a shoe. This constant rubbing creates shearing forces between the upper layer of skin (epidermis) and the layers beneath, causing tissue fluid to leak and pool to form a protective bubble. Repetitive swinging, gripping pressure, and long periods of walking make golfers highly susceptible to these injuries. Understanding how to manage and prevent these painful spots helps maintain comfort and focus on the course.
Immediate First Aid for Golf Blisters
The approach to treating a blister depends on whether the skin “roof” remains intact, as this serves as the body’s natural sterile barrier against bacteria. If the blister is small, relatively painless, and the skin remains unbroken, leave it alone to heal naturally. For an intact blister, clean the area gently with soap and water, then protect it from further friction by applying a donut-shaped piece of moleskin or a specialized hydrocolloid blister pad. The padding should completely surround the blister, preventing any pressure or rubbing directly on the dome.
If the blister is large, painful, or located in an area where it is certain to rupture (like the palm or heel), draining the fluid can offer relief and prevent an uncontrolled tear. To drain it safely, wash the area and your hands thoroughly, then sterilize a small needle using rubbing alcohol or heat. Gently puncture the edge of the blister in two or three spots, allowing the fluid to escape while carefully preserving the overlying skin.
Once the fluid has drained, do not remove the skin flap, as this tissue shields the sensitive underlying skin. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, and cover the area with a non-stick sterile dressing or gauze pad. Keep the wound clean and cushioned while the underlying skin heals, which typically takes about a week.
Ensuring Proper Healing and Infection Prevention
After the initial first aid, ongoing wound care is necessary to ensure healing and monitor for potential infection. Dressings should be changed at least once daily, or immediately if they become wet or soiled, to maintain a clean healing environment. Each time the dressing is changed, inspect the blister base for any signs that the healing process has been compromised.
Look for localized redness, swelling, or warmth that extends beyond the immediate blister area, as these are indicators of bacterial infection. The presence of white or yellowish pus, an unpleasant odor, or increasing pain that is disproportionate to the injury also suggests infection. Red streaks radiating away from the wound or the onset of a fever or chills can signal a spreading infection that requires urgent medical attention.
If the blister does not show signs of improvement within a few days, or if you notice any signs of infection, consult a healthcare professional. People with underlying conditions like diabetes or poor circulation should be especially cautious and seek medical advice promptly for any non-healing or suspicious-looking blister.
Golf-Specific Blister Prevention Techniques
Preventing golf blisters requires minimizing friction and managing moisture in the hands and feet. For the hands, a glove that is either too tight or too loose can increase shearing forces, so ensure a snug fit that allows for full finger movement. Use a quality glove on the lead hand, which takes the majority of the club friction, and apply protective sports tape or an anti-chafing balm to “hot spots” on the non-gloved hand before play.
The way you grip the club directly impacts blister formation, as over-gripping causes the skin to bunch and rub excessively against the handle. Maintaining fresh, clean grips on your clubs is also important, as worn or slick grips encourage a player to squeeze harder for control, increasing friction and the risk of a blister. Using moisture-wicking golf gloves and drying sweaty hands with a towel throughout the round helps to keep the skin firm and less susceptible to damage.
Foot blisters are best prevented by wearing moisture-wicking socks made of synthetic or wool blends, instead of moisture-retaining cotton. Ensure that golf shoes fit correctly, with adequate room in the toe box and a heel cup that prevents excessive up-and-down movement while walking. New golf shoes should be broken in slowly with short wear periods before attempting a full eighteen-hole round to prevent friction points.