How to Treat Paintball Bruises and Welts to Heal Faster

In our previous article, we covered how to avoid paintball bruises and welts. But still, despite taking full precautions, players fall victim to it, so you should know all the methods to heal and treat it. It is also important to know this because you may need to help your teammates in the field if they need it. As it becomes more severe with time causing more pain, it is important to control it in time which you can do by following the methods mentioned below. 

First you need to know the difference between paintball bruises and welts, to better understand which method you need to use to heal them. 

The Difference Between Paintball Bruises and Welts

Paintball Welts

Paintball welts are larger and more raised than bruises. They may be caused by paintballs hitting the skin at a high velocity, or by a player being hit by a paintball from close range. Welts can vary in size and shape, and may be red, purple, or black in color. They can be quite painful and may take longer to heal than bruises, sometimes lasting for several weeks.

Paintball Bruises

Paintball bruises typically appear as small, round areas of discoloration on the skin. They are usually caused by the impact of a paintball pellet and can range in color from red to purple to black. These bruises are generally not very deep and tend to fade within a few days. 

Treatment for Paintball Bruises

Cold and Warm Compresses

The first step you need to take is to apply a cold compress to the bruises part which will help you recover faster. You can do this by dipping a towel in ice water which is available almost in every home. You can apply a cold compress for 10-20 minutes, depending on the severity like how quickly you get relief from the pain and the scar starts to disappear, do this after every 1 hour of rest.  

After 1 day, do the same process but with warm compress. To do this boil some water at normal temperature and dip a towel in it and apply it on the affected area. Why warm compress? Warm compresses help heal paintball injuries by improving circulation. This will help reduce inflammation and reduce pain.     

A Helpful Cream

The most recommended cream is the “K cream” that every paintballer should always have in their gear bag, which is helpful and very effective for quick healing of any injury. You can use it during or after the game whenever you feel any kind of swelling. This is not a treatment that will get rid of bruises immediately, but it only helps to improve blood clotting and reduce bleeding. It helps a lot when you don’t have any other treatment available at the moment. You can use it according to the instructions given on the back of its packaging. 

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths also help to relieve pain and heal the skin. It is common for pro players to take an Epsom salt bath for at least 20 minutes after a game each day, to help relax muscles and reduce fatigue. So it is recommended to use this method to relieve the pain of welts. Use ½ cup of salt (available from any store) in the tub water. This is just for relaxing purposes. 

Apply Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. It has a cooling effect that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with welts. Witch hazel also contains tannins, which have a tightening effect on the skin, reducing swelling and bruising.

Aloe Vera & Arnica

According to research published in 2010 and 2011, arnica and aloe vera can reduce swelling and inflammation of paintball welts. Regular use of these herbs combined with K cream can be an effective way to heal the skin faster. This method also reduces the risk of breaking the skin, which can lead to infection.

Get Enough Rest

The most natural and effective way to heal welts is rest, although it is difficult for some people to rest for long periods of time but it is important. If you see a doctor, he will also advise you to rest and force you to eat healthy food. So it is good to apply the above method to yourself and take enough rest to recover quickly. This is the perfect time to relax and catch up on your favorite shows/series that you missed due to your busy schedule. Keep in mind that if you follow all of the above methods and don’t get enough rest, your welts won’t heal after a week and you’ll be in pain for a long time.

Elevate the Affected Area

Another tip you should do while resting is to keep the affected area higher than your heart. Elevating the welted part of your body helps you stop blood flow, which will reduce inflammation as a result. This will reduce the swelling and the welted part will remain relaxed and this is essential for fast healing. You can elevate the affected area by simply placing pillows on top of each other.

Off-the-Books Remedies

Here are some off-the-books remedies you can apply to heal the welts.

Pineapple or Papaya: These fruits contain enzymes that help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Eating them or applying them topically can help reduce the appearance of bruises and veins.

Rubbing a Banana Peel Gently: To use this method, gently rub the inside of a banana peel on the affected area for a few minutes, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with water.

Applying Raw Eggs: Raw eggs contain protein and amino acids that can help healing fast and reduce inflammation. To use this remedy, beat a raw egg and apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth.

Applying Potato Skins: Potato skins contain enzymes and vitamins that can help reduce inflammation and healing fast. To use this remedy, cut a potato into thin slices and place the slices on the affected area.

More Tips on Treating Paintball Welts

Here are some more tips that will be beneficial to heal the skin, must consider these points. 

Wash the Affected Area

Don’t ignore this tip especially while treating paintball welts, before applying any method, wash the affected area with soapy water and if possible add some dettol. This is for cleaning purposes, helping you to remove any dirt that may cause a bad effect and spread infection. The skin is likely to break during the washing process, so remember to only dry the welt with a clean cloth, don’t scrub it.

Take OTC Pain Medications

If you feel unbearable pain even after repeatedly applying hot and cold compress and you think this method is not enough to control your pain, you need to take OTC (Over-the-counter) Pain Medications. 

Don’t rush it, be patient and then take pain medication, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended or if you have a family doctor call him and guide him through each situation and do as per his suggestion. 

See a Doctor

If you are still not sure what to do to cure welts, you need to consult a doctor, first apply the above-mentioned treatment methods that suit your condition. If you feel that the situation is beyond your control, you should visit a doctor without wasting time.

You should see a doctor if you notice these symptoms:

• The welt is very large, painful, or discolored
• The area around the welt is red, warm, and swollen, which could indicate an infection.
• The welt is not improving after several days of home treatment.
• If you feel fever or chills, which could indicate a more serious infection or reaction