Finger rash from skiing?

jfw432

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 24, 2010
Messages
89
Does anyone else get a rash on the lower part of their fingers after skiing? It almost looks like poison ivy but doesn't weep. I've been trying to figure out what's causing it and can't seem to pinpoint the cause but it's only my middle and ring fingers that get it and it's right above the knuckle. I do try to grip the handle in roughly that area so I'm wondering if the circulation is getting cut off and it's killing the skin (maybe poor ergonomics on the handle?). I originally thought that my kevlar gloves were causing an allergic reaction but I recently replaced my gloves and still get the problem in the exact same spots.

It's not real painful doing normal activities but squeezing something or pushing on that area is slightly uncomfortable. It always itches a few hours after skiing too and hurts the worst the next morning.

It's hard to see much from a picture but it looks a lot like I was wearing a fat ring that chaffed the skin or something. Usually after about 3-4 weeks, the skin will start to turn slightly brown and then it will start to peel off.
 

haulnazz15

Captain
Joined
Mar 9, 2009
Messages
3,720
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

Can't say as though I've ever had any ailment after skiing aside from a bruised ego, lol. I suppose you could try a handle-wrap of some sort (think tennis racket) that might alter the surface a bit or cover up whatever is causing the rash.
 

skibrain

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2004
Messages
766
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

This is on the palm side of your had correct?

Hand issues that I have and friends have are blister/callous/torn callous issues. I've never been able to wear kevlar palm gloves as the palm material at the base of my fingers folds over and pinches. I've worn Masterline Mastercurves for quite a few years and have been pretty happy - 2 pair per summer. I always wear neoprene palm protectors UNDER gloves. I haven't torn a callous for a couple years now since wearing the neo pads. Have puchased those or just cut up old wetsuits. Just bought some HO Empire gloves this spring and they fit better than the MLs. Also bought some HO 41-Tails which are partial Kevlar - they fit me well so giving them a try. Another buddy tears 1/2" duct tape strips and wraps base of each finder to avoid tears.

For cold weather last fall and this spring when water is 50 and below, I've been wearing blue nitrile gloves (buy them in bulk at the drugstore) they keep me a bit warmer and hands stay dry (dry. really!) under ski gloves. Something to try. Plenty of rectal exam jokes in the boat when I break them out....
 

jfw432

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 24, 2010
Messages
89
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

No this is on the finger side. Once I built my grip strength up through rock climbing, I found it was more comfortable to grip the rope in my fingertips. Maybe the calluses are exactly what's happening except further up the hand since I'm gripping the handle further up my hand...

I've attached two pictures. The last time I skied was two days ago.


My last pair of gloves were the HO 41-Tails and I really liked those gloves but the palm straps always came undone and I eventually wore them out after an unbelievable amount of abuse. My new gloves are the Radar Strada Boa's. PS - interesting idea on the nitrile gloves in the winter.
 

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JASinIL2006

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
5,680
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

My sister kayaks and she used to get a similar looking rash from certain types of gloves. I believe she found out she was mildly allergic to something in some brands. I think it required trial and error to find some that didn't bother her.
 

skibrain

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 17, 2004
Messages
766
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

Palm side vs back side of hand/knuckles.

I grip lower and burn through the palms. I'd try silver duct tape. Each finger. Have you tried kevlar knit liners? I used to use those but still tore calouses if skiing 3-4 days in a row. The palm pads probably won't help you. Or the nitrile liners Keeping your hands dry may help. Cheap experiment compared to the $80 boas. :)
 

jfw432

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 24, 2010
Messages
89
Re: Finger rash from skiing?

The nitrile gloves idea would be good to see if it's a wet/allergy issue. Thanks for the ideas.
 
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