Blister question

**EamusCatuli** · #1 08-20-2011, 11:02 AM

Because of a long vacation and the associated prep time/unpack time etc, I hadn't picked up my bass in almost a month. I then practiced with my band and the next night played a gig. I'm a finger player and the time off definitely softend my callous. Following the gig I had a monster blister on my index strum finger -- by the end of the gig I was in some pain.

The blister is down a bit -- the gig was two nights ago -- but I have another gig tonight. I'm concerned that I don't have enough time to allow the callous to reform and by mid-gig it'll be prohibitive. During the other night's gig I shifted to strumming with my middle finger on slower songs, but I'm not talented enough to play quick riffs using only my middle finger.

Anyone have suggestions on how to handle tonight's gig? I'm strung with GHS Fleas which are pretty aggressive on fingers and I don't use a pick -- I don't know how. My first thought was to apply a layer of super glue over the end of my finger but I'm not sure how that'll affect my ability.

Thanks.

fearceol · #2 08-20-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EamusCatuli

My first thought was to apply a layer of super glue over the end of my finger but I'm not sure how that'll affect my ability.

I have never tried this, but it is recommended a lot here. I'm sure someone will let you know if it works.

However, prevention is better than cure. Higher up your amp and play with a lighter touch.

Skitch it! · #3 08-20-2011, 11:44 AM

I've never tried the superglue application but I don't know if it would actually stop the pressure from bursting the blister beneath, has to be worth a try I guess. I have played on large blisters a few times in the past, but they tend to burst sometime during the set, then I've had to switch to the pick. Ime, there is no easy way around it, I used to brush them with Spike Lavender Oil which drys out and hardens the skin up a bit.

Papa Dangerous · #4 08-20-2011, 01:05 PM

Every time I have a blister, I heat up a sewing needle and pop a little hole it and squeeze out the water, pus, and/or blood out. It does not hurt to pop them this way, at least for me. There can be some pain after, but its more like discomfort. The pressure on the actual callous it self is much more painful.

So pop it, drain it, and use a band aid with ointment. That should facilitate the healing process.

Last time I did this, I was in a batting cage without batting gloves... To make matters worse, the speed was around 90 mph. Hurt a lot!

EDIT: I am not a doctor. What do I truly know? (Always need to throw that bit of info out there..)

germ_77 · #5 08-20-2011, 03:45 PM

For upright bass I use the super glue on ripped caloses every now and then. Definitly works good for short term.

Demon_Hunter · #6 08-20-2011, 03:51 PM

Put your fingers in Isopropyl Alcohol, it helps dry them out and heals any blisters

cracked_machine · #7 08-20-2011, 03:55 PM

I would agree with popping the blister. Just make sure you do it sterile (just a warning. i've never had an infection, but I guess there is always a first time). I always think it's important to drain it and let the blister dry out. Chances it's too late if the gig is tonight though.

If you leave it it's going to be painful to play with regardless of what you do at this stage. Honestly when this happened in the past, I've popped it and played with a pick while it heals. Usually it takes a week to heal.

Either way I would say the pick is your main option tbh. Your finger needs a rest.

CapnSev · #8 08-20-2011, 03:56 PM

I am super prone to blisters, and I've tried everything, then I brought it up to my wife's dermatologist and he gave me the only recommendation that worked like a charm:

1) Poke a hole in it and drain it. The blister is acting like a natural band-aid that will only soften the skin underneath. If you let it run its course, the new skin underneath will be just as soft as the skin you blistered in the first place.

2) Leave the blister skin alone. If you drain it and leave the skin there (don't peel it off), it should harden up into a callous.

3) If you need to use it, superglue it. If you can't wait for it to callous up, cover it in superglue (preferably New Skin medical glue). The glue will stop the friction and lessen the pain, while protecting the callous.

cracked_machine · #9 08-20-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

I am super prone to blisters, and I've tried everything, then I brought it up to my wife's dermatologist and he gave me the only recommendation that worked like a charm:

1) Poke a hole in it and drain it. The blister is acting like a natural band-aid that will only soften the skin underneath. If you let it run its course, the new skin underneath will be just as soft as the skin you blistered in the first place.

2) Leave the blister skin alone. If you drain it and leave the skin there (don't peel it off), it should harden up into a callous.

3) If you need to use it, superglue it. If you can't wait for it to callous up, cover it in superglue (preferably New Skin medical glue). The glue will stop the friction and lessen the pain, while protecting the callous.

^^^ this. although I am uncomfortable doing the whole superglue thing. I'd probably gluing my fingers together

**EamusCatuli** · #10 08-21-2011, 12:16 PM

I followed the "turn up and play lighter" advice and weathered the night fairly well.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Tat2dHeart · #11 08-21-2011, 04:17 PM

I get blisters on my fingers for things related and related to bass. To keep playing, I use a sterile need to drain the blister, sterilize my finger with alcohol. Then, let it all dry. Put on a layer of liquid bandaid (that spray adhesive that you can buy at the drugstore) to seal the puncture on the blister. Then, lastly, put on a layer of superglue. I like the liquid bandaid to keep the super glue out of the blister itself. Do be careful not to glue your fingers together or to anything else. It feels funny for a little while, but it works better than duct tape.