Eczema and guitars
- Thread starter zekre
- Start date
subversion
Moderator
you should consider coated strings; no metal contact = no problems, right?
Dongara
New member
Hi Zeke,
I can empathise with you as I get the problem as well, but it is not on the fretting hand, just my thumbs. Firstly you need to see your doctor and get some steroid cream for your fingers.
Secondly - and it sounds ugly - but put antiseptic cream on your hands and a needle and burst the blisters - then rub antiseptic cream into the blisters. This should dry out and heal the blisters.
Thirdly, you have to learn to care for your hands. Try some cremes that will keep the skin soft, so that the blisters won't form so easily and keep the strings clean. I use methylated spirits to clean them, so that they don't irritate the skin so much.
You will get around the problem, but you have to be disciplined.
Wishing you the best of luck.
cheers,
Mark.
I can empathise with you as I get the problem as well, but it is not on the fretting hand, just my thumbs. Firstly you need to see your doctor and get some steroid cream for your fingers.
Secondly - and it sounds ugly - but put antiseptic cream on your hands and a needle and burst the blisters - then rub antiseptic cream into the blisters. This should dry out and heal the blisters.
Thirdly, you have to learn to care for your hands. Try some cremes that will keep the skin soft, so that the blisters won't form so easily and keep the strings clean. I use methylated spirits to clean them, so that they don't irritate the skin so much.
You will get around the problem, but you have to be disciplined.
Wishing you the best of luck.
cheers,
Mark.
Thanks for the replies.
I am currently using steroid cream (highest available dosage) on my fingers as my condition is rather severe (having inherited the genes from both parents).
It takes about a couple of weeks for the attack to subside and it really pains me not being able to touch my beloved tele during that period of time. I have tried bursting the blisters and applying dettol antiseptic cream after but it only seems to worsen the overall condition.
Once again, thanks for replying to this thread.
I am currently using steroid cream (highest available dosage) on my fingers as my condition is rather severe (having inherited the genes from both parents).
It takes about a couple of weeks for the attack to subside and it really pains me not being able to touch my beloved tele during that period of time. I have tried bursting the blisters and applying dettol antiseptic cream after but it only seems to worsen the overall condition.
Once again, thanks for replying to this thread.
subversion
Moderator
applying the Dettol should be avoided- it will only entail in further inflamation/ pus formation...
if you think the coated strings would help (or at least you wish to try...), PM me your address, will mail a pack (of DR coated set) to you.
if you think the coated strings would help (or at least you wish to try...), PM me your address, will mail a pack (of DR coated set) to you.
Dongara
New member
You are pretty much stuck then if it takes you so long to recover from the outbreaks. I am lucky in that it is only a few days and, even though I play with my thumbs, I'm able to play on the areas that are not affected.
I don't know of any famous guitarists that suffer the same way, so there are probably few links on the web that could help. I have played with cloth plasters over my fingertips and that is something that you could try while using thinner strings for less pressure on your hands. The plasters will prevent any infection and will help the blisters to heal. If you don't burst them, that is also ok as they will dry out anyway and leave a callous under the skin.
I used to get treatment at the National Skin Centre and even though there may not be any doctors there who play guitar, they may be able to give you better advice.
Hang in there.
Mark.
I don't know of any famous guitarists that suffer the same way, so there are probably few links on the web that could help. I have played with cloth plasters over my fingertips and that is something that you could try while using thinner strings for less pressure on your hands. The plasters will prevent any infection and will help the blisters to heal. If you don't burst them, that is also ok as they will dry out anyway and leave a callous under the skin.
I used to get treatment at the National Skin Centre and even though there may not be any doctors there who play guitar, they may be able to give you better advice.
Hang in there.
Mark.
lokiregnarok
New member
dettol is a no-no to treat blisters and burns.. it will worsen the condition even more.. O.O antiseptic cream shouldn't be used on burns..
RayKnight
New member
Don't use Dettol unless you're into BDSM and pain fetish. Besides, it's insane!
I am just fortunate enough to have eczema on my joints (cause of sweat) and my neck (very unsightly though). But steroid creams should be used in moderation and if possible, not at all. Instead, use hand cream whenever you aren't playing to moisture your hands.
Also, drink orange juice and lots of vitamin C, cause it helps. You might, just, might, wanna try to switch to another hand to play the guitar. Say if your left hand (fretting hand) is the problematic one, then play a left handed guitar because you only need to pick with your left hand while your right hand is fretting. This is just an insane suggestion though.
I am just fortunate enough to have eczema on my joints (cause of sweat) and my neck (very unsightly though). But steroid creams should be used in moderation and if possible, not at all. Instead, use hand cream whenever you aren't playing to moisture your hands.
Also, drink orange juice and lots of vitamin C, cause it helps. You might, just, might, wanna try to switch to another hand to play the guitar. Say if your left hand (fretting hand) is the problematic one, then play a left handed guitar because you only need to pick with your left hand while your right hand is fretting. This is just an insane suggestion though.
I have eczema too and I'm allergic to dust, and what I do to "overcome" it is by applying medication as prescribed by a doctor and to maintain a high level of personal hygiene. I keep my surroundings clean cos dust definitely triggers my outbreaks. My bunkmates think I have OCD. Haha.
RayKnight,
i did your insane suggestion long ago. haha but I did that for other reasons.
RayKnight,
i did your insane suggestion long ago. haha but I did that for other reasons.
J.custom
New member
Well, I have enczema too! Used to be quite bad, on all joints and my neck but after the visit to the NSC, it has been reduced to just a small patch on the back on my left knee and occasional dry skin on my face/neck. However, this recovery also takes time and my suggestion to you, though this may sound harsh, is to keep yourself from playing till you are completely cured.
In may case my skin reacted everytime I ate certain seafood or came in contact with dog/cat fur. So as much as I love playing with animals and eating seafood, I forced myself to restrain from doing so until I was completely cured.
Another suggestion to you is that you might want to be in a more dry environment more often or in a more air-conditioned environment. Not sure whether it's the same in your case but I find that my out breaks usually happen when I start sweating etc. So during that period I tried to keep myself as cool as possible. Some sweat is fine, but not too much.
Hope this helps you and that you recover quickly!
In may case my skin reacted everytime I ate certain seafood or came in contact with dog/cat fur. So as much as I love playing with animals and eating seafood, I forced myself to restrain from doing so until I was completely cured.
Another suggestion to you is that you might want to be in a more dry environment more often or in a more air-conditioned environment. Not sure whether it's the same in your case but I find that my out breaks usually happen when I start sweating etc. So during that period I tried to keep myself as cool as possible. Some sweat is fine, but not too much.
Hope this helps you and that you recover quickly!
RayKnight
New member
Usually seafood for me, is one thing. Also, STRESS is a big factor. Sometimes you don't do anything, weather's perfectly fine, you got a healthy diet, dust-free environment, yet you still get eczema. Why? Stress! Stress plays a big role in many illnesses. So that might be another cause for concern.
Sweat is also another factor. Someone recommended that I drink lots of orange juice, vitamin C helps. Also, apply hand cream whenever possible.
Sweat is also another factor. Someone recommended that I drink lots of orange juice, vitamin C helps. Also, apply hand cream whenever possible.
Hurricane
New member
Where I Live The Is A Legal Way
I don't know what the law is where you live and I would never advocate that anyone break the law , that said :
Hello Zekre :
Here in California and 13 ( District Of Columbia WASH>DC is one of the 14 ) other states have Medically Approved Marijuana for those who are afflicted with medical conditions ranging from cancer to what you have . It has been a great help to many with skin ailments , my wife is one to mention . She suffers from a skin sensitivity that is similar . The use of this plant's oil has helped her significantly .
I make a tincture from this medicinal plant , this tincture is spread over the affected area , it leaves a protective coating on the top of your skin too .
I use this tincture for my herniated discs in my spine and neck , it gives soothing almost instant pain relief too . With out this medication I would be hard pressed to walk because of all the disc's I have that have been herniated from automobile accidents ,< note - I was never the driver and always a passenger > , 7 in total over the years , and in all cases we were the victims of another's mistakes .
It has given me back being able to play music on stage again . I had to stop because of the severe pain . I also got a severe case of :
" shingles " ,
I would not wish this pain from shingles on my worst enemy . This tincture has helped in pain reduction of the shingle's pain significantly , not even morphine can do this .
This tincture is not for everyone , there has to be some that would have a negative reaction it's the law of nature that we are not all the same . I have met only one person who had a bad reaction , the worst of it all was they got a rash , however consider this too . Marijuana has never been documented in one case of some one dying from it's use . Never in the history of man will you find one reference to someone dying from the use of Marijuana at all ever .
The truth shows though that the biggest danger to some one using this plant in any form seems to come from the courts and police , the very people who are sworn to protect it's citizens - go figure ?
I don't want to sound like I am on a pulpit , how ever I am on a mission to disseminate the truth on this most beneficial plant and defunct the lies and ignorance surrounding it .
I would like all who want to ask me what else I know about the positive side of this God made natural plant .
Easy all and my deep respect to the forum .
Again I Want To Make It Perfectly Clear - I Do Not Promote Anyone To Breaking The Law Where They Live ON Marijuana If It's Illegal Where You Reside .
Sincerely :
Hurricane Ramon
I don't know what the law is where you live and I would never advocate that anyone break the law , that said :
Hello Zekre :
Here in California and 13 ( District Of Columbia WASH>DC is one of the 14 ) other states have Medically Approved Marijuana for those who are afflicted with medical conditions ranging from cancer to what you have . It has been a great help to many with skin ailments , my wife is one to mention . She suffers from a skin sensitivity that is similar . The use of this plant's oil has helped her significantly .
I make a tincture from this medicinal plant , this tincture is spread over the affected area , it leaves a protective coating on the top of your skin too .
I use this tincture for my herniated discs in my spine and neck , it gives soothing almost instant pain relief too . With out this medication I would be hard pressed to walk because of all the disc's I have that have been herniated from automobile accidents ,< note - I was never the driver and always a passenger > , 7 in total over the years , and in all cases we were the victims of another's mistakes .
It has given me back being able to play music on stage again . I had to stop because of the severe pain . I also got a severe case of :
" shingles " ,
I would not wish this pain from shingles on my worst enemy . This tincture has helped in pain reduction of the shingle's pain significantly , not even morphine can do this .
This tincture is not for everyone , there has to be some that would have a negative reaction it's the law of nature that we are not all the same . I have met only one person who had a bad reaction , the worst of it all was they got a rash , however consider this too . Marijuana has never been documented in one case of some one dying from it's use . Never in the history of man will you find one reference to someone dying from the use of Marijuana at all ever .
The truth shows though that the biggest danger to some one using this plant in any form seems to come from the courts and police , the very people who are sworn to protect it's citizens - go figure ?
I don't want to sound like I am on a pulpit , how ever I am on a mission to disseminate the truth on this most beneficial plant and defunct the lies and ignorance surrounding it .
I would like all who want to ask me what else I know about the positive side of this God made natural plant .
Easy all and my deep respect to the forum .
Again I Want To Make It Perfectly Clear - I Do Not Promote Anyone To Breaking The Law Where They Live ON Marijuana If It's Illegal Where You Reside .
Sincerely :
Hurricane Ramon
Hurricane
New member
Hey J . Custom :
I can relate about the aggravation cause by sweating and I live in a desert !
Luckily I have an air conditioner , with out it life would be miserable no matter what in the summers here with temps of 120F/49C and when I had my first outbreak of shingle is was at the summers beginning - ouch ! At night it still stays over 100F/38C .
I was not at first leaning toward using Medical Marijuana tinctures , I thought it would not help since I was giving morphine and then Oxycontin and other opiates - Since using the MM I don't use morphine any more .
As I mentioned I don't know the legal status where you are from and I don't advocate its' use where there are repercussions from the law establishment .
Sincerely :
Hurricane Ramon
Last edited:
Hurricane
New member
Don't Stress It Man 
Hello Ray Knight :
Stress will kill ya man !
I learned this issue and made sure I worked in a stress free type environment , not an easy thing to figure out . My vocation was working in big hotel commercial kitchens learning the culinary trade by day and Rock-N-Rolling at night playing music in clubs here in the mainland USA and Hawaii . The kitchen/restaurant is a big time stress maker but I was good at it and I wasn't subject to stress because I made sure my act was together . I sure saw a lot of good people loose it in this environment too .
Home life too - Got rid of a bad marriage - Found a great lady - Life is Good Man Life Is Good .
Sure life's a bitc# at times , that's why the good moments should be appreciated and enjoyed when they come by .
I believe what ever you are after you will find it . Just make sure what your after is worth it in the long run .
Peace man :
Hurricane Ramon
Hello Ray Knight :
Stress will kill ya man !
I learned this issue and made sure I worked in a stress free type environment , not an easy thing to figure out . My vocation was working in big hotel commercial kitchens learning the culinary trade by day and Rock-N-Rolling at night playing music in clubs here in the mainland USA and Hawaii . The kitchen/restaurant is a big time stress maker but I was good at it and I wasn't subject to stress because I made sure my act was together . I sure saw a lot of good people loose it in this environment too .
Home life too - Got rid of a bad marriage - Found a great lady - Life is Good Man Life Is Good .
Sure life's a bitc# at times , that's why the good moments should be appreciated and enjoyed when they come by .
I believe what ever you are after you will find it . Just make sure what your after is worth it in the long run .
Peace man :
Hurricane Ramon
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