Trampoline Burn Treatment: Learn The 5 Steps

How do you treat friction burn from trampoline?

Jumping and bouncing a trampoline is lots of fun and there are a ton of benefits, but there are a few dangers lurking around as you enjoy yourself. Trampoline burn is a common injury that many of us might encounter during this playtime and it can be quite a pain, especially for children.

To treat a trampoline burn effectively, you should run cold water on the affected spot immediately, followed by warm water, and then apply a gauze, bandage, or dressing after drying the wound. Taking painkillers might be necessary if it gets too painful.

In this post, learn how you can treat trampoline friction burns the right way and how you can prevent them.

Let’s go!

How to cure minor friction burns from a trampoline

What is a trampoline burn?

Friction burns are the most common type of trampoline burn. Friction burns are pretty common and do not necessitate a trip to the emergency room, as we all know.

The most prevalent kind of trampoline burns is those on the elbows and knees. They arise when our skin is scraped off by extended, continuous contact with the trampoline mat.

Essentially, they are a combination of abrasions and heat burn. Due to the friction between our skin and the trampoline, our skin heats up, resulting in a slight heat burn.

The most common victims of trampoline burns are children. As a result, as worried parents, we’re all looking for strategies to treat or even prevent trampoline burns.

Furthermore, even though trampoline burns are mild heat burns, they can be extremely painful.

With little children, this can be a major issue.

How to cure minor friction burns from a trampoline?

First step: Identify the severity

In most cases, trampoline burn is a very minor injury and should not cause much of an issue.

However, we should definitely inspect the wound before making such a conclusion.

The first thing you should look for is the extent of the damage.

If the burn only affects the top layer of skin, it’s probably a mild burn that may be treated at home.

If the injury extends beyond the epidermis, you may require medical attention.

Blisters signal a more serious burn, so keep a watch out for them.

If there is any charring or yellowish markings, this is a symptom of a severe burn that requires emergency medical attention.

Also, observe how widespread the injury is and its location. If the injury is spread over a large surface area or in a sensitive part of the body, medical services should be consulted.

Assuming that the trampoline burn is minor, you can make use of the following steps.

Second step: Run under cold and warm water

There should be no delay in carrying out this first step.

To reduce infection and swelling, wash the wound with cold water for a few minutes.

The body’s first line of defense is the skin, and open abrasions can lead to infection.

This is especially true when it comes to the trampoline mat because it is filthy. Trampoline burns can be cleaned with a soft cloth or tissue.

You should then switch to using warm water as a way to clean the wound. During this time, you may also use antiseptic soap. Rub the wound area gently. Do not use harsh soaps here.

Third step: Apply cream

As you should know, a trampoline is most often placed outdoors and it contains a lot of dirt and bacteria.

Although it is easy to brush off trampoline burns as something superficial, bacteria infection can cause a serious headache if the wound is not taken care of properly.

Hence, it is advisable to apply a thin layer of antibacterial cream or antibiotic ointment to the affected area.

This is especially so when it comes to treating children as their immune systems are not as developed.

Fourth step: Cover it

Your skin will start to recover shortly, but during this time, it is important to cover it so that you do not get any complications due to contact with bacteria and dirt with the exposed area.

Cover the wound with a bandage, gauze, or dressing.

Be sure to allow some breathing room for your injuries without covering them too firmly.

During this time, you should wear loose clothing as much as possible to prevent chafing, further abrasions, or any discomfort.

Fifth step: Painkillers

While most adults are able to deal with the discomfort and pain from a minor trampoline burn, the same cannot be said for children.

They might find it difficult to handle the pain and as children are naturally active, they might further aggravate the wound.

In such cases, an over-the-counter painkiller should suffice in helping them get over this period.

There are also some numbing ointments that you can consider.

How to cure severe friction burns from a trampoline?

A burn injury can become quite serious.

If you see bleeding, a deep gash, severe blistering, or the injury has occurred on a sensitive area such as your face or genitals, you should not attempt to self-treat.

In this case, you should head to the nearest doctor to get an assessment and get it treated as soon as possible.

How to prevent friction burn? 4 tips

As you may know, trampoline burns are really quite common and most are harmless. They can get annoying though.

Are there some ways to reduce or prevent them from happening?

Short of not playing on the trampoline at all, here are a few tips that might help you out:

  • Applying a lubricant such as Vaseline on common burn spots such as elbows and knees
  • Avoid making moves or trampoline tricks that will rub your skin across the jumping surface (this also increases the chance of static shocks)
  • Make sure not to jump when the trampoline is wet. Not only is it dangerous, but the water also acts as additional friction
  • Put on long sleeve clothes (of course be sure to choose lightweight ones) and wear socks with gripper bottoms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take for a small friction burn to heal?

If you’ve had a mild burn, the healing time should be between a few days and a week. It may be worth seeing a doctor if you take much longer to heal than this. Burns that are more serious will take longer to heal. Naturally, the amount of time it takes for a wound to heal depends not only on the severity of the wound but also on the individual. Some wounds heal more quickly than others.

How do you soothe a trampoline burn?

Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound. After cleaning it, you may apply a numbing cream so that you feel better. Wearing loose clothing will also help in lessening contact with the wound.

Will friction burn go away?

Yes, minor friction burn will go away in a couple of days, particularly with the right treatment. You should avoid activity that will stretch or come into contact with the wound.

What helps a trampoline burn on your face?

You can apply an antibacterial cream or antibiotic ointment to reduce the chance of infection. Some of these creams have numbing qualities which may help you feel better. Avoid touching the affected area and it should recover in a few days time.

Is Vaseline good for friction burns?

Yes. Vaseline is a lubricant and it can help moisturize the affected area and reduce friction if it does come into contact with something. It is also able to help retain essential moisture in the skin.

Can friction burn cause blisters?

Yes. Blisters form to prevent deeper damage to your skin. If blisters form, it is a sign that the burn is quite serious and extra care must be taken to care for them.

How long do friction blisters last?

Friction blisters will usually drain off within a few days. When new skin develops under the blister, the excess skin will peel off, revealing your newly developed skin. However, if there is constant friction or contact with the blister, the recovery process will take longer, sometimes weeks.

What do friction blisters look like?

What do friction blisters look like

They’re bubbles that form when fluid gathers in pockets under your skin’s top layer. They can be filled with pus, blood, or serum, which is the clear, watery part of your blood. The majority of them are round in shape. Your blister may itch or hurt a lot or a little, depending on the reason. They might appear in groups or as a single bubble.

Why are friction burns so painful?

Heat has managed to destroy your skin cells when you get burned. This can be extremely painful, especially if the friction burn happens to be on a sensitive spot.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate the discomfort. Quick action will also help to alleviate the discomfort.

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Jacob Mackay
Jacob Mackay

Hi, I'm Jacob Mackay. I work as a structural engineer currently based in Tampa, Florida. Trampolines have brought a ton of fun to my family and now I wish to pay it forward through this blog. You will find a trove of well-researched articles that will help you choose the best trampolines, how to use them safely, as well as pick up a few tricks that will impress your friends and family! Connect with me on LinkedIn or learn more about Trampoline Junction!

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