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Tearing my fingertip open -- what to do?

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by KrisH, Jan 11, 2009.

  1. Jan 11, 2009 #1
    KrisH

    KrisH

    Nov 6, 2007
    New Jersey
    This has happened twice now in the past month or so. The skin toward the outer edge of my right middle finger tip splits wide open. Like someone took a sharp object and opened it up from the nail bed under the end of the nail forward. It's happened after a gig or a practice, but not that I played especially energetically. And there doesn't seem to be any sharp edge to my nail that cuts into the flesh. The calluses are pretty thick, but it stings anyhow. Putting a bandage on while it heals sux.

    Any idea what I may be doing wrong? :help:
     
  2. Jan 11, 2009 #2
    funkydanbass

    funkydanbass

    Sep 6, 2007
    Melbourne, Australia.
    Without actually seeing you play, I would just suggest you turn the amp up a little and play alot softer.
     
  3. Jan 11, 2009 #3
    RobertPaulson

    RobertPaulson

    Dec 11, 2008
    Des Moines
    not sure how to prevent it, but when I played in a hardcore band way back when I used to keep a tube of super glue with me to stop the bleeding if I wore through my hand during a set.
     
  4. Jan 11, 2009 #4
    blackcolin

    blackcolin Guest

    Jan 27, 2008
    Chicago, IL
    Super glue, Baby. Glue it shut, and take care of those hands. It's cold in Jersey; wear gloves, moisturize...
     
  5. Jan 11, 2009 #5
    stackey

    stackey Guest

    Jan 28, 2007
    Endorsing Artist: Fender, SWR , D'Addario
    Sounds painful - usually that kind of thing is because your skin is dry - that is easily remedied. One thing, though, and the reason for my reply: BE CAREFUL with applicants like Nu-Skin. I got a blister halfway through a set when I was just starting to play upright. On the break I pulled out the Nu-Skin and patched it up (I had a feeling blisters were in order that night). 15 minutes into the next set I felt a sting, looked down, and the pad of my right middle finger had come off and was hanging like the top of a soup can. If I hadn't put that stuff on, it would've just split. Hung me up for a week...
     
  6. Jan 11, 2009 #6
    KrisH

    KrisH

    Nov 6, 2007
    New Jersey
    Thanks bunches! Dry skin is no doubt the problem. I just haven't been keeping the moisturizer handy often enough. Lesson learned.
     
  7. Jan 11, 2009 #7
    57pbass

    57pbass Supporting Member

    Aug 1, 2004
    Bayside, New York
    If its the hand you use to play the note you might try using a pick...
     
  8. Jan 12, 2009 #8
    beelzelboss

    beelzelboss

    Dec 5, 2008
    Las Vegas, Nv
    moisturize, drink lots of water, not more more you can do... maybe switch to coated strings? to me they are a lot more like slippier. my hands just slide all over them.