Fingertips blisters from putting on wetsuit

[violakat03]

When trying to get 7mm wetsuit on (without a dive skin, which I use under my 3mm, obviously should have brought it to the shop!) I apparently was using my fingertips too much and have developed blisters right at the top edge of my fingernails. The people in the LDS said it happened because my fingernails are too short (I bite them) so I guess I'm not the only one this has happened to.

Question is, what can I do to help them heal faster? They hurt like crazy and are on the tips of three fingers. I'm going diving this weekend and don't want them to be a problem!

 

[Sas]

With blisters just leave them alone. Unless they pop, then you need to disinfect them and remove all the skin, to reduce the chances of infection. I don't think there is a lot you can do really based on my experience of blisters If you are going diving maybe bandage them up so they are cushioned?

I get really sore fingertips too after putting on my 7mm! I have short fingernails that I bite too. But no blisters yet thankfully.

 

[FFMDiver]

Wheres the timely moderator, should this post not belong in the accidents forum?

 

[Garrobo]

You could start by losing the fingernail biting habit. And wear a pair of gloves or some finger cots to protect the fingers you have mangled.

 

[aMc10]

I had a similar problem the first time I took a liveaboard trip (and had to put on a wet wetsuit several times a day) - took the top layer of skin off the first knuckle on about four fingers. I can't make any suggestions for making your blisters heal faster, but to prevent it in future, you might want to try something to make it easier to put your wetsuit on, like neoprene socks, or even a full neoprene undersuit. I hear pantyhose and even plastic bags over your feet work pretty good too!