Scar Reduction

Skin Remodeling is the Key to Scar Removal

Scar Reduction with SRCPs and Hydroxy Acids

Skin Abrasion Techniques

Comparing Scar Reduction Methods

Silicone and Mineral Oil Sheets for Scars

Special Scars: Acne Scars

Special Scars: Pigmentation Marks

Special Scars: Warts

Special Scars: Tattoo Removal

Special Scars: Skin Rips of Gymnasts

Gymnastic exercises often produce rips on the hands which can be especially difficult to heal because of continuing exercise.

Rips should be cleansed in soapy water, dried to prevent infection, then covered with a sterile bandage.

Many recommend also applying a triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the wound surface.

For normal skin protection and healing, some gymnasts cover their hands at night with a hand lotion or vitamin E then put gloves or socks over their hands before sleeping.

For workouts, products such as Preparation H and Bag Balm help numb the rip and provide some protection.

Sometimes a small balloon is taped over bandages on the hand to help reduce friction on the wounded hand. 

The Gibson company (800-275-5999) sells a series of three ointments. There is a callus stick to be used before workouts to help toughen calluses, a conditioning stick for night use to soften skin, and a rip stick to use on fresh rips.

Another company “10.0” (800-241-9249), sells “Rip Kits” with a hydrogel dressing, “2nd Skin”, for use to prevent and protect rips along with pressure foam pads and a knitted skin adhesive. 

Dunlap sells a skin protector called “Compeed” which is used in practice to protect the fresh rips.

G.A. Deitch sells lanolin protective gloves to be worn underneath the regular grip as an “undergrip.” Many gymnasts use Johnson & Johnson’s Elastikon elastic tape to protect a rip.

One effective way to speed up the healing of rips is, after cleaning the rip in soapy water, to apply DuoDERM Extra Thin CGF Spot (from Convatec) dressing over the rip.

The DuoDERM dressings adhere to the skin and form a moist gel over the wound that speeds healing.

DuoDERM dressings give wound up to five times lower than gauze bandages1. With the Extra Thin DuoDERM, some wounded gymnasts can swing bars with the bandage beneath the grip.

Some prefer the use of thinner barrier bandages such as Bioclusive or Op-sight.

Any rip that shows signs of infection should be promptly seen by a physician. Signs of infection include a foul oder, pus or yellow discharge, redness and swelling.