Skin is the largest organ in a human body and is meant to be nourished and taken care of. Scraping, blisters and injuries are inevitable while climbing, and many climbers take pride in that. One should be prepared for the injuries that may come your way. Here are a few ways in which you can be ready to prevent and deal with injuries.

1. Trim Your Nails

Not trimmed your nails in a while? Make sure they're freshly trimmed before you start climbing. The last thing you want is your nails getting messed up while you're hanging onto the rocks, and if you're not careful you'll end up ripping one of them off - not a nice experience, trust me. It's horrible to think about, but that's why you need to trim them nice and short before you head out.

2. Hydrate the skin

Moisturize your hands well, a few hours prior to the climb. It is easier for the skin to tear if it's not adequately moisturised. The moisturisation should not be done just before the climb - you need to give some time for your skin to absorb the moisturiser.

3. Tape it Up

Climber’s tape will be your best friend in the initial climbs. Make sure you secure your hands right before the process. Wrap it well around the lower third of your ring and middle fingers for better protection as you train with the ropes. Do not completely rely on it, to save your skin, and do not completely cover up.

4. Avoid the Climb when in Pain

Keep a check on yourself throughout the climb. Do not climb despite the pain. In case you experience a cramp, stop and try flexing or shaking your hands on the wall. But if your hands still hurt, quit the journey and prepare to head back.

5. Chalk it Up

Use Chalk on your hands. Applying chalk makes the climb easier, as it prevents your hands from slipping. Professional climbers do not use chalk much as they are super skilled and have excellent grip. Rub the chalk over your palms and fingers before heading up for any big route. You may try liquid chalk, if your hands tend to sweat a lot. The liquid chalk will help you dry out your skin quickly.

6. Heal the Flappers

The majority of beginners face ‘flappers’ that can be quite painful. These are bits of loose skin that rip off and may or may not bleed. Flappers are caused when soft skin pulls too hard on the spiky rock. You should immediately tape the flapper and clean it up. Keep the tape on during the climb as the skin takes time to heal.

7. Dealing with callouses

Regular climbers tend to have cracked skin and thick callouses. Avoid slathering too much moisturizer or your skin will soften up and you will lose the protective layer of your hard skin. There are various options of balms that are specially for climbing injuries and will heal the targeted areas.

8. Regularly File the Skin

Getting blisters is unavoidable in climbing. After a certain time, the blisters will transform into strong and healthy calluses. As a frequent climber, it is important for you to keep the calluses flat and smooth or else you might fray and rip.

Now that you know the tricks to keep the epidermal layer smooth and healthy, gear it up for the greatest adventure of your life.