Paintball is a fun game enjoyed by many. However, it always leaves players with bruises to nurse. While some might just take a few weeks to go away, others take months and even leave scars to tell the story. Most players consider the game worth the risk as it increases the excitement and adrenaline. This text will focus on the bruises, their treatment, and recovery period.
Although paint balls are non-toxic when they come into contact with your skin, it doesn’t mean they are not going to leave a mark behind. They can leave bruises the same way an object traveling at a very high speed does when it collides with the skin.
Treatment for Bruises
Bruises develop when the tiny blood vessels in your soft tissues burst. The bruising area shows the blood that comes from these vessels. They come in different colors, ranging from purple, blue or black, depending on how severe the bruise is.
They go through different phases before healing completely. Based on the treatment level and severity, a bruise might take a few weeks to go away completely. Normally, paintball bruises go away sooner since they are not very severe. Below are some of the best practices to get rid of a paintball bruise.
Cold Compresses
Whenever you notice a bruise on the skin, it is important to treat it immediately. One of the best ways is using a cold compress, which can be prepared at home using an ice bag and a towel. You can also use the one that usually comes in most first-aid kits.
However, keep the compresses away from the skin. Use a towel to separate them from your epidermis. Otherwise, they could do more damage than good. These compresses can cause frostbite if applied directly to the skin. You should apply the cold compresses for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, wait for an hour before repeating the process. They will help minimize the bruise and leave you feeling better.
Warm Compresses
After an entire day of applying cold compresses, you should alternate them with warm ones. These are usually prepared by dipping pieces of cloth in warm water and then applying them to your bruise. A heating pad can also be used.
This works in the same way as the wet method. Warm compresses work by improving the bruise color since they enhance the circulation around the affected area.
Just like with cold compresses, they should be applied for 15 minutes and repeated after an hour.
Epsom Salt Baths
You can get Epsom salt from your local drugstore to prepare the bath with. These baths offer a soothing effect and are very effective on bruises. To prepare the bath, fill your tub with warm water then add enough Epsom salt.
Get in and soak for at least 30 minutes. After the soak, you will feel like a new person as all the pain from the soreness and bruises will be gone. An Epsom bath will always leave you feeling relaxed and energized.
Vitamin K Lotion
Vitamin K is a great natural component that enhances blood clotting. If you notice that your bruise is progressing and becoming worse even after using cold and hot compresses, rubbing vitamin K lotion on the wound might help. It will promote blood clotting. This way, the lotion will discourage the bruise from spreading.
Also, if you tend to bruise easily after getting hit by a paint ball, it would be wise to take vitamin K supplement. It will help lower your chances of bruising. Always have a vitamin K tube with you when playing paintball. Just rub it on any injured areas to reduce bruises. Also, you can use it to prevent bruising from occurring.
Natural Remedies
If you are not in a position to access the above remedies, you can try out natural alternatives. There exist some natural treatments for paintball bruises. These include fresh potato or banana peels. You can apply them directly to the affected area for relief. They should be rubbed on the area. If you wish, use a band-aid to secure them firmly around the affected area. Be sue to change it two times a day.
Some people have also found raw eggs to be very helpful in treating paintball bruises. If your bruise is not going away, break a raw egg on the wound. You might just get the much-needed relief with little effort.
How Long Do Paintball Bruises Last?
Paintball guns lead to bruising due to the trauma they apply to the skin, leading to injuries. This is why it might take some time for the bruises to go away. There are different factors that affect the severity of bruises.
Firstly, if you are playing without any protective gear, you are likely to suffer from severe bruises. This is because you wear nothing to neutralize the impact of the balls on the skin. You will end up getting more intense bruises that might take longer to heal.
Secondly, vulnerability will also play a major role in the extent of bruising. There are some people who are prone to bruising. They will suffer more intense damage than their counterparts.
If you are one of such people, you will need longer to heal. Healing also depends on the affected sections of the skin. If you get hit on the ribs, neck or buttocks, you might take longer to heal than when the bruises are in other areas.
Given all the above things that affect the severity of paintball bruises, it is hard to determine how long the bruises will last. It could take anywhere from days to months for them to heal fully. Some of the bruises are so severe that they leave scars behind.
The only sure way to deal with paintball bruises is to avoid getting them in the first place. Wear protective gear like the best paintball chest protector, layer up when getting dressed, and avoid getting hit at all times.
Final Word
Unless the bruises become a recurring problem, there is no need of consulting a doctor as you can treat them at home using the above methods. Makeup can be effective for bruises that occur on the face.
Most of the times, the bruises caused by paint balls tend to heal naturally. All you need to do is take some care to avoid risks of infection. If you have any other good remedies for paintball bruises, feel free to share them with us in the comments below.