A paintball welt or bruise is the pooling of blood in a specific area of the body due to an impact during the game. Welts or bruises happens when the capillaries or tiny blood vessels breaks due to the shock or blow to the skin.
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Paintball is a game of strategy, fun and action but there are also negative aspects. Minor injuries such as bruises, welts, pain and soreness of the muscles cannot be avoided. Paintball causes pain and some people welcome the risk to increase excitement and adrenaline.
There are different brands and variations of paint that are designed with specific strength such as speed, breaks, accuracy or aerodynamics. Paintballs can cause welts or bruises the same as any object that collides with the skin at very high speeds. A paintball welt usually last a day to two or even several weeks which depends on the intensity of the impact.
Symptoms of a paintball welt
- A lump forming around the welt
- Painful swelling around the welt
- A welt that becomes severe within a week
- A bruise with presence of pores on the skin that looks like polka dots
- Abnormal bleeding from the nose, urine or stool
Treatment
- Wash the bruise using soap and water. As soon as a painball welt develops, wash the area immediately to remove any debris in the bruise to prevent infection. Pat the area dry using a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent further damage and worsen the welt. Avoid using alcohol on an open cut or wound.
- Apply a cold or warm compress on the welt within the first 48 hours after the injury. The cold temperature constricts the blood vessels, lessens the flow of blood and inflammation. This should be followed-up with a warm compress to lessen the swelling and pain. Apply the ice pack for at least 10 minutes at a time several times until the symptoms settle.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the swelling and pain.
- Elevate the affected area above the level of the heart to prevent further injury or damage to the affected muscles and tissue and for fast healing of the condition.
- In a bathtub filled with water, mix ½ cup of Epsom salt until dissolved. Essential oils can be added to the bath such as lavender or geranium. Soak in the solution for at least 20 minutes to lessen the symptoms.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on a paintball welt is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage tissue injuries including a paintball welt by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACTÂ CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/bruise