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Fingertip skin gone missing

kitk

13-Dec-2004
11:24:40 PM

A couple of months ago I seem to have lost the top layer of skin on one of my fingertips. Not all of it, just a patch. That patch is always tender, and seems to have one or two small clear lumps on it - like pin pricks. Then of course I climb on it, scrape whatever lack of skin is not on it, and it hurts like anything. Tea tree oil also stings like mad. If I spend time in the surf, it comes out really tender as well. I don't seem to be able grow that patch back, it looks like my fingerprint has changed or gone missing, and the spray on bandaid stuff doesn't stay on when climbing sandstone or plastic. Any ideas? I was thinking fabric bandaids gaffa taped on would be next. TIA

rhinckle

14-Dec-2004
8:30:42 AM

you've got 7 other fingers & 2 thumbs. use them.
the skun tip?
cover it, bandaids eh?
keep it moist
the oil out of a vitamin e capsule helps healing
keep it covered
give it a rest
get a finger stall from the chemist and leave it on when you climb.

you've got 7 other fingers & 2 thumbs. use them.

once the base layer of the skin heals, it'll grow plenty of callous and fingerprint, but it has to heal first 1 - 2 weeks if you don't keep stressing it.

cheesehead

14-Dec-2004
9:25:34 PM

Totally - it needs rest boy.
If you NEED to use it, make a 'band aid' with finger tape. It's bound to come off, but it a)gives a little protection in the meantime b) inspires you to not (despires?) use that finger so much, as it no longer has the dexterity, friction or feel.

No idea about the white dot thingies - possibly some fine grit stuck in there, which is retarding healing? would expect it to me more inflamed though if that were the case.

Likewise, has anyone got top tips for speeding recovery/getting over it when you cut your nails too short and the finger nail interface whatesmy name splits? Superglue STINGS but seems like the best "I MUST climb NOW" fix
NB- Apparently that's what superglue was originally designed for - in-the-field first aid. There's always a tube of it in my first aid kit.

rhinckle

15-Dec-2004
7:36:36 AM

handy hint
get a pair of cheap yellow leather riggers gloves, cut all the fingertips off except the for bad finger.
(good for cracks too)

BTW
tried wearing these things with the fingers still on and found that it wasn't bad.
no finger grease or sweat left on the rock, pigskin sticks fairly well, and the tips got a nice rest.
there was no one else around, so i didn't look funny.

rich

15-Dec-2004
11:54:53 AM

Tea Tree Oil??? Ow what u doin man? moisturise, rest, lanolin, rest.
If you need to climb why dont you try getting ahold of those mad rock finger tips that were discussed here a while ago>? I reckon they'd be the go for this sorta thing. super glue will work also but probably to the detriment to your finger

IdratherbeclimbingM9

15-Dec-2004
5:29:57 PM

On 15/12/2004 rich wrote:
>If you need to climb why dont you try getting ahold of those mad rock
>finger tips that were discussed here a while ago>? I reckon they'd be the
>go for this sorta thing.
LOL Are you referring to the velcro gloves thread again :)))

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