How to Treat Paintball Welts

Paintball is a game of strategy, action, and fun. However, some negative aspects occasionally come along with the positive. Minor injuries such as welts, bruises, pain and sore muscles are sometimes unavoidable. Most players consider paintball well worth the risk of pain, some even welcome the risk to increase the adrenaline and excitement. This blog will focus on welts in particular; how to prevent, decrease the intensity, and treat welts from paintballs.

“Paintballs green” by Makkonen – Self-photographed. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons – http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paintballs_green.jpg#/media/File:Paintballs_green.jpg

There are many different brands and variations of paint. Some are designed with a specific strength in mind such as increased speed, breaks, accuracy, or aerodynamics. All of these paintballs are made of the same basic materials. A thin shell holds a water-soluble and dye filler material, similar to a vitamin capsule. The filler is non-toxic, non-staining, and completely harmless. All paint breaks down easily in water and heat. Paint comes is every color of the rainbow and the brighter the better. Most paintball fields require you to buy all paint on site to be sure it is complies with safety and quality regulations.

You can rest assured that paintballs are non-toxic when they come in contact with your body. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t leave a mark. Paintballs can cause welts the same as any object that collides with the skin traveling at a very high speed could. Any time someone is hit hard with a projectile object, welts and bruises are likely to develop underneath the skin.

Welts can last for just a day or two to several weeks depending on the intensity of the impact. The good news is these are not usually extreme injuries and will probably heal up fine on their own. However, there are treatment options to speed up the healing process and decrease any pain.

Treatment Options for Healing Paintball Welts

1. Wash the bruised area with soap and water

2. Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling

3. Use a topical treatment such as neosporin to soothe the injury

4. Keep the welt elevated if possible

5. Alternate ice with warm compresses to keep blood circulation

6. Apply witch hazel or vitamin K cream to speed up the healing process

7. Rest the area and don’t engage in strenuous activities

This treatment is most effective while the welt is still red in color, usually during the first 24 hours after receiving the injury. It is recommended to seek medical attention for any welts that increase in pain and swelling over time or last longer than two weeks.

How to Avoid Future Paintball Welts

Wear Protective Clothing

The best way to prevent and minimize welts is to wear protective clothing while playing paintball. Long sleeve, pants, and multiple layers will provide the best protection if the weather allows. Never remove goggles or helmet at any time on the field until all barrel plugs are in place.

Know the Most Sensitive Areas
The most sensitive areas to get hit are the hands, neck, top of head, and thighs. Use gear to protect these areas such as padded gloves, helmet, and thick clothing. Keep these spots in mind when playing and avoid being hit in these areas if possible.