Help Managing Callouses

[cinichol]

I could sure use advice on managing my fingertips. My callouses build up pretty fast and I don’t have pain, but my fingertips generally get bumpy and uneven, slick and hard, sometimes a bit swollen, and sometimes peely.

I see various treatments for sale, but it’s hard to know which creams or files and such will prevent unevenness, peeling, and slickness. These problems definitely affect my playing. I can’t always feel the string, I don’t know how hard to press, the bumpiness and enlargement of my tips make me nudge other strings on concert-size especially, my fingers slip, or the peeling skin catches on frets.

Anybody have tips? (no pun lol)

Do you file? Moisturize? Trim?

• This topic was modified 3 weeks, 4 days ago by cinichol.
• This topic was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by cinichol.

[mysticrick]

Cinichol,

Finger and fingernail care are important issues for ukulele players, whether picking or strumming. My experience reveals that buildup and breakdown of callouse is cyclical and when the calliuse breaks down it can produce raw new skin cells that are fragile and sensitive. A good strategy would be to stop playing for a period of time (I have difficulty with this).

My fingernails have a condition that involves cracks and areas of damage. This is due to a 60 year biting habit and a weakened immune system that makes new nail growth soft and pliable. I may never have proper nails for ideal string contact.

That being said I have found several Nail Care discussions:
Brad Bordessa. https://liveukulele.com/lessons/picks/fingernail-care/
Matt Dahlberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaQpi2joRHE
Aldrine Guerrero https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/early-nail-care.160690/

There are lots more out there. Good Luck.

[cinichol]

Thanks so much, @mysticrick! I’m off to check those links.

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