Mike's Oud Forums

"Oudpicker's" fingertips peeling off

Suznak - 1-15-2010 at 01:17 PM

Hi oud practicing friends,
I have got a problem I suspect due to my oud playing. Maybe a nickel allergy or an allergy due to another metal used in strings. The tips of my fingers (mainly left hand) peel and no hand cream I tried helps. This goes on for months. Does somebody know of this problem and can offer advice? Thanks so much! Suznak

Jack_Campin - 1-15-2010 at 01:23 PM

Try a patch test - put a piece of each string (and a few control substances) in a regular grid under a dressing against the skin of your back or arm for a few days, recording the position of each one. Then see which ones get inflamed, if any.

Nickel allergy always gets worse. You will have to find nickel-free strings if that's the problem.

SamirCanada - 1-15-2010 at 01:48 PM

Aquila strings are coper wound I believe...
maybe you should try those and see if it helps...

otherwise you may have a oud with bad action which makes you press too hard.

Suznak - 1-15-2010 at 02:03 PM

Hi SamirCanada, thanks for your suggestion. Will try out other strings. It is true, I press hard. But I have played for over 10 years now, never had a problem. Good night, Suznak

Suznak - 1-16-2010 at 01:07 PM

Jack_Campin:
Thanks for your suggestion! Seems not a bad idea, though slightly uncomfortable. But playing is also getting more and more uncomfortable...