How I Overcame Skin Irritations with Drones & RC Insights

Let me say it straight: most people think flying drones and tinkering with RC gear is all fun and games—until you spend a weekend outdoors and your skin pays the price.

Nobody talks about the aftermath.

I used to believe that sunburn, bug bites, and random skin flare-ups were just the cost of the hobby. You know, the kind of thing you shrug off while swapping batteries in a dusty field, or after crawling through brush to find a crashed quadcopter. But after one particularly embarrassing incident, I realized I was wrong.

Last August, I was out at the local park for a full-day FPV race. The sun was relentless, the air thick with gnats, and my focus was so locked on tuning my transmitter that I barely noticed my skin getting raw. By the time I got home, my arms looked like I'd lost a fight with a rose bush, and the itchiness was next-level.

I thought, "Whatever, just part of the game." Wrong.

"My chemist recommended Cetaphil, which I used but my face felt like it was burning, so I had to wash it off and use ice packs to stop the burning sensation."

Turns out, I'm not the only one who underestimated how brutal outdoor RC can be on sensitive skin.

The Real Consequences of Ignoring Skin Care in Drones & RC

There's this stubborn myth in the community: that a bit of discomfort is just background noise. But it's more than that. One week after that park event, I was still scratching at red patches and barely sleeping because of the non-stop itch. I tried slathering on whatever was in the medicine cabinet—moisturizer, aloe, even some old hydrocortisone cream.

Nothing helped. In fact, some made it worse.

My skin started peeling around my wrists and elbows
Every lotion I tried left a burning sensation
Bug bites turned into swollen welts that lasted days

The worst part? I couldn't focus on repairs or flight practice because I was constantly distracted by the discomfort. Even basic stuff like soldering became a chore when every sleeve scrape felt like sandpaper.

I read online that "EVERY single other product burns when applied to my face, even cleansers. The hyaluronic acid burns the least and the niacinamide burns the most." That hit home. I was in the same boat—basic products stung, and nothing seemed safe.

Why Standard Solutions Fall Short

Let's be real: most off-the-shelf creams and lotions aren't made for skin that's been through a day of sun, sweat, and grass stains. Sensitive skin reacts to everything—fragrance, preservatives, even some so-called "gentle" formulas. After my second drone meet in September, my forearms were so irritated that even touching them to the steering wheel on the drive home made me wince.

The problem gets worse if you try to power through it. I ignored the warning signs and ended up with a couple of minor infections from scratching too much. Not my brightest moment.

I learned the hard way that:

Sun exposure + sweat + plant debris = perfect storm for irritation
Insect bites can swell up and linger for a week or more
Quick fixes like ice packs or antihistamines only mask the problem

One quote stuck with me: "The itchiness lasts for 3-5 days, but the swelling and coloration typically last for over a week. They truly make me miserable."

Exactly.

The Moment Everything Changed

October rolled around, and I was determined not to repeat the same mistakes. I started looking for something that could actually help—something that would protect and soothe, not just cover up the symptoms. That's when I stumbled on this 4-pack of Pasta Lassar, priced at about $40.

At first, I was skeptical. Pasta Lassar sounded like something you'd use on a baby, not a grown adult with a drone addiction. But I figured, if it could handle diaper rash, maybe it could handle my post-race arms.

Here's what I noticed after a week of use:

The thick, protective layer actually blocked out sweat and grime
Burning and itching calmed down within minutes
Bug bites and small scrapes healed noticeably faster

The best part? No burning. For once, my skin didn't feel like it was on fire after applying something.

My RC Skin Disaster: Embarrassing Fails

Let me be honest—my search for relief was not pretty.

Last Tuesday at the club field, I tried a new "sensitive skin" moisturizer right before flying. Within ten minutes, my hands were so greasy I dropped my transmitter. Cue the slow-motion crash, followed by the walk of shame to retrieve my quad from a muddy ditch.

Two weeks later, I thought I'd be clever and use an ice pack taped to my arm during a build session. The condensation soaked through my shirt, leaving a cold, soggy patch and a mess of solder splatter on my workspace. My cat looked at me with actual pity.

Not my finest hour.

What Actually Works: My RC First Aid Kit

If you're serious about RC or drone flying, stop improvising with random bathroom products. Build a kit that actually works for outdoor abuse.

Pasta Lassar (protects, soothes, doesn't sting)
Alcohol wipes (for cleaning cuts)
Bug spray (prevention beats treatment)
Bandages and a small tube of antibiotic ointment
Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts for sun and scratch protection

After switching to Pasta Lassar, I finally had something I could use on both bug bites and minor burns, without the usual drama. It forms a barrier that keeps out dirt and moisture, and it's mild enough that I don't dread putting it on.

One week after a long session in the woods, my skin looked almost normal—no angry red patches, no peeling, no endless scratching.

Alternatives: What Else Should You Try?

Of course, one product doesn't fit everyone. If you're still on the fence, here are a few other things I've tested or seen recommended by other RC folks:

Zinc oxide creams: Good for blocking moisture but can be pasty and messy
Aloe vera gel: Soothing, but not always enough for serious irritation
Hydrocortisone cream: Works for some, but can thin skin with overuse
Barrier sprays: Fast to apply, but sometimes too light to protect after hours in the field

None of these matched the all-around relief I got from Pasta Lassar, especially for both burns and bites. Still, if you have allergies or need something lighter, it might be worth trying a few different options.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Suffer for Your Hobby

Here's what I wish someone had told me at my first drone meet: you don't have to live with irritated skin just because you love RC. Whether it's Pasta Lassar or one of the alternatives above, just take action. Stop letting skin problems hijack your build time and flying days—your hands (and your quad) will thank you.

How I Overcame Skin Irritations with Drones & RC Insights