markwebster Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Does anyone know how to prevent new calluses from cracking on a climbing trip? I had this problem in both Yosemite and my recent trip to Joshua Tree. (see trip report) On both trips, I was fine for the first week, but then I began to see hairline cracks in my tips, which soon turned into 3 millimeter deep bloody canyons, very painful. None of my partners had the problem, which confuses me. I avoid salt, and don't eat a lot of meat. I'm wondering if I need to load up on olive oil, or lots of fatty beef. Once they came in, I couldn't climb slab anymore, had to stay on cracks. I tried various salves but nothing fixed the problem. Now that I've been home for a couple days, they're all healed over and fine...bad timing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike1 Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Happens to me at the beginning of the season but then they build up scar up and actually begin to protect. Maybe your friends had already past that point while you were only approaching it? Get back on the rock and see if it happens to your new scarred up man-hands! Also, had a thought that it might be related to hydration. Anyways, that's my $0.02 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dechristo Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Also, had a thought that it might be related to hydration. Anyways, that's my $0.02 Yep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarch Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Super glue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whirlwind Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 shea butter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirp Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Super glue Ya, my wife and I spent a month in JT in 1991 and had horrible tips, had to superglue/file/tape to keep our sanity. its crude but good in a pinch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briejer Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 "Working Hands" brand lotion to heal. Super Glue to keep climbing. Super glue also works great to prevent fingers from becoming that damaged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cairns Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Does anyone know how to prevent new calluses from cracking on a climbing trip? None of my partners had the problem, which confuses me. I avoid salt, and don't eat a lot of meat. It might help to get more or different protein in your diet. Skin is by far the major user of protein in your body. From your picture it looks like you burned your tips picking something hot off the stove. Damaged fingertips are the rule for a stay of any length in JT but you say you had trouble in Yosemite, too? Maybe your skin is missing a growth factor or your vitamin/mineral/trace element scheme is wrong. Those look like the ulcers that develop in skin when pressure interrupts the blood supply. Whatever, it should take care of itself and you just did too much climbing in too short a time for your skin to keep up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jens Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 As soon as you get back to the car at the end of the day, slather on "climb on" balm. Just before going to bed, slather on more. The next morning, apply 1-2 coats of Krazy glue to your pads. A surgeon told me they use the stuff on people, so it must not be toxic. I used to use tincture of Benzoin many years ago, but I prefer super glue now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichTurley Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Happens a lot in outdoor construction during the cold months. Best thing I have found (and I've tried a lot) is No-Crack hand cream. http://www.nocrack.com/ Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-spotter Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 how old is that red j-tree guide? & how many routes are listed in it? 500? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
high_on_rock Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I always like to soak them in cider at night. If nothing else, it makes her smile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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