Torn Blister, need help

latkingz781 · #1 05-29-2009, 10:18 PM

I had a blood blister today, and I was playing and it began to peal. It's my index finger which is one of my two "walking" fingers. Now the blister ripped open and tender red skin is exposed. I tried playing bass and it irritates the skin. Obviously I want to play, I may need to play with a pick (booo). Can you help me with this? What should I do to heal this asap?

skiscem · #2 05-29-2009, 10:20 PM

super glue or duct-tape

WyrdoBass · #3 05-29-2009, 10:22 PM

With time, you'll get the oh-so-loved callouses. They will help

. Right now, super glue actually does work pretty well. Insta-callous.

elgecko · #4 05-29-2009, 10:24 PM

Super glue.

mwiles30 · #5 05-29-2009, 10:26 PM

Play over it. It will hurt like a bitch for about a day or too, but the raw skin toughens up a lot faster than if you avoid it.

latkingz781 · #6 05-29-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyrdoBass

With time, you'll get the oh-so-loved callouses. They will help

. Right now, super glue actually does work pretty well. Insta-callous.

Funny thing is I already had ridiculous callouses, but this week has been soo much more playing, that it just got overwhelmed. Are you sure super glue is safe? Seems hazardous.

bThumper38 · #7 05-29-2009, 10:27 PM

CRAZY GLUE

WyrdoBass · #8 05-29-2009, 10:37 PM

I've heard it has been used to perform suture-less surgery, but I may be mistaken, as I've never had to use it myself. My callouses were developed from playing classical instruments (with flatwound strings- much more mild) so I never really went through the blister-from-hell stage. I've heard numerous stories on here of people using it for that exact purpose though.

latkingz781 · #9 05-29-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyrdoBass

I've heard it has been used to perform suture-less surgery, but I may be mistaken, as I've never had to use it myself. My callouses were developed from playing classical instruments (with flatwound strings- much more mild) so I never really went through the blister-from-hell stage. I've heard numerous stories on here of people using it for that exact purpose though.

Seems like a decent idea, and I may try it lol. Anyone else have any other suggestions.

Greevus · #10 05-29-2009, 11:03 PM

flea used to use medical tape (white) with super glue while on tour

Stumbo · #11 05-29-2009, 11:23 PM

Waterproof bandage. Their super sticky, thin and should hold up. You can even try just the sticky part. Get the large size and cut it to what you need.

Surgical tape from a medical supply store should work.

Ric5 · #12 05-29-2009, 11:25 PM

learn to use a pick ...

dmusic148 · #13 05-29-2009, 11:30 PM

Don't use super glue. It seems like a good idea, but it will drastically slow the healing process. Bandage, covered with surgical tape, is the best bet. Bring extra tape/bandages to the gig. After, keep it bandaged and it will heal in a couple of days. Don't fall for the 'let it dry out' nonsense-this also slows healing. Keep it covered, but change the bandage several times a day.

latkingz781 · #14 05-29-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric5

learn to use a pick ...

I can, and I occasionally play with a pick. I just rather not because of my style.

Stumbo · #15 05-31-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

After, keep it bandaged and it will heal in a couple of days.

IME, putting Neosporin (or similar) helps the healing as well.

aluminumbassguy · #16 05-31-2009, 01:07 AM

Ok, Here is what you need. Coachs tape. It is sold at all the Wallgreens in single and four packs. I have used this for years. I slap alot on the upright and have had many nites where my calluses would break open. You can put this on and it wont come off till you take it off. Just make sure and wrap it the rite way and not to tight. Keeping a roll of this around is a life saver in your tool box too. I really don't think there is anything better IMHO.

Anonymatt · #17 05-31-2009, 10:41 AM

As my right hand got stronger, I would dig in more and more. Every month or so for about six months I'd get a new crop of blisters, followed by thicker callouses.

Now I've been playing bass for a 14 months and haven't seen blisters in a while. Every once in a while I'll get drunk and tear one of my callouses off or something, but there's plenty of fresh tough stuff underneath.

The blisters I used to get would be VERY painful to play with, but I'd just play through it. Maybe I'd give my fingers a day off or I'd take a "theory day" with lighter playing.

I never had to get crazy with bandages or tape, though. I know plenty of contrabass guys do that, but I think they have more leverage on the strings because of their position and their fingers take so much more abuse being at the "string/finger nexus".

jazzbass_5 · #18 05-31-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

Super glue.

Yup, super glue, it's like instant callous.

Learn to play with a pick?!?... um no... Might as well take up one of those twangy thin string guitar thingys if you're gonna do that.

(meant to be funny.....)

dDaddybass · #19 05-31-2009, 10:54 AM

New skin, see my post in the DB forum about blisters

lobey · #20 05-31-2009, 10:54 AM

Dermabond....basically sterilized super glue. Look it up.