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How to: properly care for a raspberry
September 23, 2008 11:06 PM
By Garland Cooper
Over the years I have accumulated countless scrapes, bruises and scars from playing softball. The most famous of all softball injuries would be the raspberry.
That burn that stings the side of your leg or top of your shin can be quite painful and can take some time to heal especially if you continue to slide on the already tender area.
It may not seem important to care for these types of injuries in the proper manner, but after playing for almost twenty years, I wish someone had told me to take better care of my scratches. Maybe I could have reduced the number of scars on my legs!
I was always told to let scrapes and burns like raspberries air out, dry out, scab up, etc. This, however, is not the best way to heal a raspberry. Below is the fastest, most effective and truly amazing technique that will not only reduce chances of scarring; it will heal the wound faster.
1. SCRUB IT
Ok, I never said this wouldn't hurt&After obtaining a raspberry, the first step in the healing process is to go into the shower and scrub the wound. Anything that has dried up and created a scab needs to be scrubbed off, revealing the cut. The area should look raw and exposed.
2. CLEAN IT
Of course these injuries can be infected easily, especially since it is exposed to dirt often. It is important to clean it out after scrubbing the scab. Use some alcohol and gauze to clean in and around the area.
3. COAT IT
Now the worst is over. At this point it is time to put some Neosporin or Vaseline on the open wound. Use a q-tip, compressor, or gauze to form an even layer over the open area.
4. WRAP IT
This is where it gets interesting. Next, take saran wrap and cover the wound with the Vaseline on it, using a small amount, just enough to cover the area.
5. PATCH IT
After the saran warp is on, put a bandage on top, and make sure it is secure and will stay for an extended period of time.
6. REPEAT IT
Finally, you will want to repeat this every 24 hours. If you have practice, make sure that the bandage will not come off and allow the wound to take in dirt. After your shower everyday, repeat the steps. Don't worry, you don't have to scrub every time, but make sure to clean it and follow the other steps.
If you follow this process, the wound will actually never scab. Instead the skin eventually heals over in a rather miraculous manner. I have seen bad raspberries disappear in a week's time. I found it to not only be helpful, but revolutionary for the softball athlete.
Next time you get a raspberry don't worry about scarring or long healing processes, just follow this simple guide!
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