I find that about a week or two after I do a lot of fishing and touching of fish, my fingertips start to peel. I mainly notice this about a week or so into the start of a season when I fish everyday straight, no matter if it’s for three days or three months. Has anyone else noticed that? Anyone have an idea what it’s from and/or how to counteract it?
It sounds like dead skin to me. Do you have a job or lifestyle that gives you callouses? If so, I would imagine that they are coming off after longer periods exposed to water.
I am a diver so it’s hard to keep any callouses on my hands. This sucks for me because I do a lot of my own mechanic work. If I don’t have gloves on, one slip of the wrench and I’m bleeding.
Narcosis
I have the same exact problem Rap
happens to me also- they will peel layer after layer for many weeks some times…
I am going to wear gloves this season and see if it helps
I will check with a friend that happens to and see what he has done about it. It is some sort of allergic reaction to the fish slime I believe. He goes thru it every year as well.
www.advoutdoors.com
It is what it is!
Mine do it too, not sure as to why they do. They don’t itch but it looks pretty terrible. Mine do it more when I offshore fish, so I am thinking something with the ballyhoo, spanish sardines, and squid. But it could also be from the fish out there.
Yep, mine do it whenever I fish as well.
quote:
Originally posted by CaptFritzI will check with a friend that happens to and see what he has done about it. It is some sort of allergic reaction to the fish slime I believe. He goes thru it every year as well.
www.advoutdoors.com
It is what it is!
Thanks Fritz, I’m under the impression it’s an allergy thing as well.
quote:
Originally posted by scdiverMine do it too, not sure as to why they do. They don’t itch but it looks pretty terrible. Mine do it more when I offshore fish, so I am thinking something with the ballyhoo, spanish sardines, and squid. But it could also be from the fish out there.
I’ve noticed it mostly when I fish in the Keys handling lots of Ballyhoo, more than when I fish in SC and don’t.
Have you tried urinating on your fingertips and then letting the urine dry? Let the urine soak in for at least 30 minutes.
quote:
Originally posted by skinneejHave you tried urinating on your fingertips and then letting the urine dry? Let the urine soak in for at least 30 minutes.
remind me not to shake your hand if I see ya 
“Aquaphor healing cream”, is the best and “Corn Huskers Lotion” works great as well, if this only happens in the winter it is dry skin but if it happens during the summer months it is an allergic reaction to the oil or acid in the bait or fish, coating your hands before fishing trip with a product called “Second Skin” and then after fishing trip wash your hands good and coat with" Aquaphor or Corn Huskers lotion" and problem solved…, as a automotive painter we work with chemicals everyday and this problem comes around every winter when the dry air and lack of humidity is present, even your house is heated with dry air, no moisture… i am not a dermatologist but i did stay at a holiday inn express one night
I always heard that peeing on your own fingers cures you from biting your nails and peeing on someone else fingers cure them from passing out at your party. 
Never happened to me.
I guess I am not fishing enough.
It’s likely not an allergic reaction. Your skin is probably just drying out from getting dunked multiple times in saltwater. Use moisturizer routinely. Aquaphor is good as already mentioned as is Neutrogena’s ridiculously priced version or just plain old Vaseline works as well. Any of those will lock moisture in far better than your standard lotions.
quote:Not saying I would do it... What do you think I am, a sick freak???
Originally posted by mhebbardquote:
Originally posted by skinneejHave you tried urinating on your fingertips and then letting the urine dry? Let the urine soak in for at least 30 minutes.
remind me not to shake your hand if I see ya
I saw something on one of the tv outdoors shows about using peroxide through the day. My hands get torn up after a day of offshore fishing. Haven’t tried it because I remember it when my hands start feeling the pain.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
quote:
Originally posted by skinneejquote:Not saying I would do it... What do you think I am, a sick freak???
Originally posted by mhebbardquote:
Originally posted by skinneejHave you tried urinating on your fingertips and then letting the urine dry? Let the urine soak in for at least 30 minutes.
remind me not to shake your hand if I see ya
Maybe? 
< Evil is simply the absence of God >
quote:
Originally posted by skinneejHave you tried urinating on your fingertips and then letting the urine dry? Let the urine soak in for at least 30 minutes.
Just tell them, It’s Palmolive:smiley:!
NN
07, 23 Key West, Twin 115 Yammys
“Coastal Bound”
Rap, Shrimp do me the same way after de-heading them if I don’t wear gloves. Doc told me it wasn’t an allergy, but the acids in there gut taking out all the oil in the skin and causing the cracking. I’d suggest some latex gloves while baiting the ballyhoo as you are probably smushing all the guts out of them to rig. Keep some Vaseline with you and use it generously when practical it has no scent and won’t be a fish replant.
Shrimp are a lot worse than fish to me. I have lost a rod when my hands got wet after using the cornhuskers! Seems to turn into KY jelly