Have you ever been hit by a Paintball welt? Let me tell you, it’s not a pleasant experience. The sharp pain, the sudden shock, and the lingering bruise that follows – it’s enough to make anyone hesitate before stepping onto the field. But as a Paintball enthusiast, I’ve come to accept the welts as part of the game.
After all, it’s the thrill of the hunt, the rush of adrenaline, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot that keeps me coming back. And even though the welts may hurt at the moment, they’re only temporary – unlike the soft paintballs with a satisfying splatter of a successful hit on my opponent.
Everything you need to know about Paintball Welts in 2023
In this article, we’ll delve into the topic of Paintball welts, covering everything from what they are, how they occur, and the best ways to prevent and treat them. So, make sure to read all about them till the end of this special article.
1. What are Paintball Welts?
Paintball welts, also known as bruises or contusions, are a common occurrence in the game of Paintball. These welts are one of the common things in this game that act as a bruise for both professionals & armatures.
Moreover, They are caused by the high-velocity impact of a paint-filled pellet against the skin, which can result in a painful red or purple mark on the impacted area. No doubt, it is painful and can cause numerous problems for the players.
On the other hand, some Paintball welts may be small and relatively painless, while others can be quite large and cause significant discomfort. However, both these welts can be treated pretty easily in the ways given in this specific article.
2. How do Paintball Welts Occur?
Paintball welts occur when a player is hit by a paint-filled pellet fired from a compressed gas-powered gun. I have also been attacked by such game balls and have faced numerous bruises and welts.
The pellets can travel at speeds of up to 300 feet per second, which can result in a significant impact when they hit the skin. Well, after that speed, you can sense the power of such impact on a player’s skin.
3. Why do Paintball Welts Occur?
The welts usually form on the areas of the body that are not covered by protective gear, such as the arms, legs, and torso. The main reason for such welts is not using the proper equipment for playing such games and their different modes.
While Paintball welts are generally not a serious injury, they can be quite painful and take some time to heal. In some cases, they can also lead to more serious complications, such as skin infections or allergic reactions to the paint. Therefore, you must have to care about them & do your best to prevent them.
4. Preventing Paintball Welts
Preventing Paintball welts is an essential part of staying safe while playing the game. There are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting hit by a pellet and developing a welt. I have shared all of them in the below headings according to their importance.
- Wear Protective Gear
The most important step in preventing Paintball welts is to wear protective gear. The authorities must provide all users with such protection kits. This includes a face mask, which protects your eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as a chest protector, gloves, and knee and elbow pads.
All these things are pretty important in preventing any damage to the player’s body. Moreover, the protective gear should fit snugly and cover as much of your body as possible to prevent welts from forming on exposed areas. They’ll also give you other medic kits to save you from all dangerous factors.
- Stay behind Cover
Another effective way to prevent Paintball welts is to stay behind cover whenever possible. Paintball is a mind game that includes different places and areas with numerous ways to hide from enemies and then trap them.
Thus, This can be in the form of trees, rocks, or barricades. By staying out of the open, you can minimize your exposure to incoming pellets and reduce the risk of developing welts. So, make sure to use your mind over matters to get victory over your opponents.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings is also essential in preventing Paintball welts. Just like I said that it is a mind game & you must know about your opponent’s strategies all the time. This means keeping an eye on your opponents and their movements, as well as the surrounding terrain.
However, By staying alert, you can avoid getting caught off guard by incoming pellets and minimize your risk of developing welts. In case, you were not attentive, your opponents will make it rain over you with their sharp and painful paintball shots.
5. Treating Paintball Welts
If you do end up getting hit by a paint-filled pellet and developing a welt, there are several steps you can take to treat the injury. I have shared all of them in headings so you can easily read them thoroughly till the end.
- Clean the Affected Area
The first step in treating a Paintball welt is to clean the affected area with soap and water. It is a quick step and prevents major risks of diseases. Moreover, This helps to remove any paint or dirt that may have gotten into the wound and reduces the risk of infection. So, it can be your basic step whenever you are facing paintball bruises.
- Apply Ice
Secondly, After cleaning the affected area, applying ice can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Reducing swell areas can easily reduce pain & discomfort levels. You can do this by placing an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas on the welt for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. It is also pretty easy and anyone can do this in no time.
- Take Painkillers
If the welt is particularly painful, taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce discomfort and alleviate pain. Well, it is the best thing you can do to get rid of pain from such bruises.
- Apply a Topical Cream
Additionally, Applying a topical cream, such as hydrocortisone or aloe vera, can also help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. You can easily get such creams from all medical stores near you. These creams can be applied directly to the welt several times a day to help soothe the skin and promote healing.
- Keep the Area Elevated
We all know that a covered bruise can never be affected by germs. Thus, keeping the affected area elevated can also help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This can be done by propping up the injured limb on a pillow or cushion, or by using a sling to support the arm.
- Avoid Scratching or Picking at the Welts
It’s essential to avoid scratching or picking at Paintball welts, as this can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection. Well, scratching does occur whenever the bruises become old with time. Instead, try to keep the area clean and dry, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing that may rub against the welt.
6. How to Recognize Signs of Infection?
In some cases, Paintball welts can become infected, which can lead to more severe complications. It happens when the bruises are prevented from germs, as when they are cleaned & taken care of properly.
However, the signs of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and pus or discharge from the wound. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Don’t try to keep things to yourself in case you are not an expert in handling these welts.
7. How to Prevent Scarring?
If you’re concerned about developing scars from Paintball welts, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. As scars sometimes last when the bruises are not taken care of properly for a limited time limit.
One of the most effective ways to prevent scarring is by applying a scar-reducing cream or ointment to the affected area as soon as possible. It’s also important to avoid exposing the wound to the sun, as this can lead to hyperpigmentation and darker scars.
8. How to Treat Large or Severe Welts?
Well, the large welts are no doubt pretty dangerous and difficult to handle. However, If you develop a large or severe Paintball welt, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be needed, such as draining the welt or administering corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Moreover, Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication or recommend other therapies to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. So, I am saying this again to try to keep things to yourself unless you are a professional in this field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do paintballs leave welts?
Any object traveling at a high speed and colliding with the skin can cause welts. Bruises and welts can develop under someone’s skin when they are hit hard by a projectile object.
How do you heal a paintball wound?
Use Witch Hazel or elevate the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. Paintball welts are also susceptible to itching and burning, which can be soothed by applying ice or an astringent.
Are paintball bruises common?
They’re called battle scars by regulars. The uninitiated have a steep learning curve. As with rugby, lacrosse, or even football, paintball is a sport, and bruises may result. It’s perfectly normal to get bruises from paintball, and they often feel like stings.
Do the welts go away?
Welts or hives can develop spontaneously and go away over time. You may not ever get them again. Typically, you will not need to see a medical provider for an acute (temporary) case.
Final Verdict
Paintball welts are a common occurrence in the game of Paintball and can be quite painful and uncomfortable. However, by taking the necessary precautions, such as wearing protective gear, staying behind cover, and being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize your risk of developing welts while playing.
Moreover, If you do end up getting hit and developing a welt, following the steps outlined above can help to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and promote healing. With proper care and attention, you can get back to playing Paintball in no time, without any lingering welts or bruises.