Skin care for climbers: flappers, splits and tape
Climbing destroys fingertip skin in specific ways. Each has a different fix.
Climbers get a distinctive set of skin injuries, and treating them the same way is why they take so long to come back.
Flappers
A torn flap of skin, usually off a callus. Do not rip the flap off. Trim only what is fully detached with sterilised scissors, lay the rest flat, clean, and cover with a non-adherent dressing. Tape over the top for grip if you must climb.
Splits
Deep cracks in dry fingertip skin. These are a moisture problem. Moisturise consistently on rest days, file calluses down before they crack, and cover a fresh split with tape to stop it opening further.
General skin management
- File calluses flat rather than letting them build into ridges that catch.
- Moisturise at night, not before climbing.
- Wash hands after sessions — chalk is drying and holds grime.
Taping the injury, not the joint
Tape used to protect skin is different from tape used to support a pulley injury. If you have finger joint pain rather than skin damage, get that assessed rather than taping over it.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.