Turf Burn Remedies

Did you know in many states (including CT) physical therapist can do wound care? We spend a decent amount of time in school learning the ins and outs of very complicated treatments for things like burns, pressure ulcers, and infected cuts. While none of us ended up pursuing a career in wound care, we did have the education and luckily things like turf burn are much less complicated than a pressure ulcer!

Me diving onto what is thankfully regular grass.

I always loved playing sports, but with the rise of turf fields, a purposeful slide tackle or an accidental trip and fall could leave you with a nasty turf burn. I wanted to share my suggestions for dealing with one of the most annoying type of skin injuries you can get!

Step 1: clean it out with a sterile saline spray. No need for alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. It will probably still sting a little.

Step 2: Cover the area with something that will absorb the excess fluid - my preference: hydrocolloid patches, which are self adhesive. Alternatively you can use sterile anti-stick pads and wrap with stretchy tape (be sure not to wrap too tightly - you don’t want to cut off blood supply).

Step 3: Wait! If you used hydrocolloid patches, they will turn white and start to come off when it’s time to change them.

If you (or your kids) keep getting turf burn in the same spot, consider wearing some sort of protective clothing. Personally I now wear long sleeves or at least an elbow sleeve if I ever play on turf!

Also consider your form - I used to get turf burn on my left elbow often when diving. Once I improved my shoulder mobility and thoracic extension, I got a lot less turf burn.

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About the author: Dr. Caitlyn Hauswirth-Varis, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT, CF-L1

Caitlyn is board certified as an orthopedic specialist and an expert in pelvic floor physical therapy. She has played Ultimate Frisbee for over 10 years, previously playing with one of the top mixed teams in the nation and for the NYC professional women's team. She has gotten turf burn more times than she cares to remember.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.