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kidquotes Author

Level 1

41 points

How can I stop trackpad from hurting/burning my fingertips?

I have tried everything to stop my fingertips from having a burning, raw sensation when using a trackpad, including:

-using lotion

-putting a screen protector over the pad

-adjusting the pad preferences to tap instead of clicking

-switch to another laptop

If I attach a mouse, I don't have pain, but as soon as I switch back to the trackpad, I feel the raw burning sensation on my fingertips and thumb. Since the whole point of owning a laptop is to *not* use a mouse, I'd prefer to be able to work on my *lap*

I feel like I need a protector, like gloves on my fingertips -- but the trackpad won't work with gloves on

Mac OS X (10.3)

Posted on Jan 14, 2012 2:30 PM

Top-ranking reply

kidquotes Author

Level 1

41 points

Posted on Feb 10, 2013 5:31 PM

I SOLVED IT!!!

I bought these touchscreen gloves (for people who need to use cell phones in cold weather) and cut off all the fingers except the thumb and first finger. PROBLEM solved. I have 4 pairs of these all over the house. Hurrah!!! Also, since you only need to use one glove, you can just buy 2 pair for $10 and get 4 gloves. There are other ones on Amazon too. I think the official name are "touchscreen gloves"

Life has changed for me. Now I can work all day.

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117 replies

May 26, 2016 9:11 AM in response to kidquotes

I Just wanted to document that I am having the same problem. All the fingertips on my right hand feel as if they are burning. My entire hand is peeling and I started to lose my fingernails. I have a Mac book, iPad, and iPhone. I feel as if the burning sensation is worse after using my iPad. Right now I've been using a stylus on everything, but I forgot it at work and used my iPad without it. Immediately I felt the burning to the point I couldn't work anymore. I'm so disappointed.

May 26, 2016 11:46 PM in response to TaralynOT

I'm so sorry to hear about this ad thought I would share something with you. I found that using a stylus helps quite a bit. I've been working almost exclusively on my Samsung Galaxy Note 4. For some stupid reason I am using the MBPro for this reply and already I've got a lot of pain. Anything "touch" is terrible now :-(

Royal65

Level 1

12 points

Oct 25, 2016 4:36 PM in response to jgreaves

Jon

Same problem but does not burn as much as feels as if I'm developing a callus from the inside of my fingers causing pressure on the bone.

Can you be more specific as what do you mean by "palm cover" from Amazon.

Dec 15, 2016 9:05 AM in response to kidquotes

I had the same issue with my finger tips. Burning, tingling, raw sensation when using the trackpad on my Macbook Pro 2012. I suffered through it for 4 years, until one day when I brought my fingertips under a magnifying glass and noticed a lot of micro cuts. I finally had enough. I decided against buying the Magic Mouse because rubbing my fingertips against a surface was the last thing I wanted to do. I went with a different brand and I bought a bluetooth mouse that has a rubber scroll wheel in the center. I am pleased to say I no longer have the burning/raw sensation in my fingertips anymore. 🙂

kidquotes Author

Level 1

41 points

Dec 15, 2016 9:33 AM in response to kidquotes

I found that using 100% lanolin on my finger tips helped a lot. You have to look around to find it on the web, but it's worth it. Don't get 100% lanolin based or lanolin ingredients. make sure the only ingredient is lanolin. I found some on Amazon. I've tried all kinds of lotions, wax, oils, but lanolin is completely different and provides a moist, protective barrier.

May 27, 2016 12:28 AM in response to kidquotes

There are a few new posts on this thread as well Soreness and numbness in fingertips from trackpad

Feb 10, 2013 7:41 PM in response to kidquotes

Thanks. I will have to try this. I might look a bit silly in cafes, but oh well! Thanks again.

kidquotes Author

Level 1

41 points

Mar 1, 2013 12:28 PM in response to far.out.at.sea

You won't look silly in cafes. You will be the new hipster with groovin gloves. Honestly, I use my computer in cafes a lot and no one ever looks twice or has ever asked me hoot.

Mar 12, 2013 12:05 AM in response to laundry bleach

Hey! Sorry for the late reply. I meant to get on here much ealier. I have a macbook air 11 inch. Is that what you mean?

May 28, 2013 6:51 AM in response to thewhitehart

Glad the vaseline is working. It might be hard to always have it around you though, unless you keep a small amount with you wherever you go.

HB315

Level 1

4 points

Jun 4, 2013 9:01 AM in response to kidabcdefg

And the endear side of my apple mouse burns but it is better because the top is plastic!

anwla

Level 1

9 points

Mar 25, 2014 8:33 AM in response to jgreaves

How do you feel about using iPhone and iPads? This is where I experience issues with my fingers. Not so much the trackpad any more. Sometimes it gets so bad that I have to put down the iPhone...

Sep 7, 2014 7:17 AM in response to ckntim

Hello All!

This is far.out.at.sea, one of the first commenters. I just lost my email and my prior information, so I created a new ID. It's amazing how many more people have found this forum!

My allergy has continued. I bought a new mac, a mac book air (11-inch, 12-inch). Using a mouse pretty much has solved my problems, except when I for some reason I can't use my mouse and I'm stuck using the track pad. I recently lost my mouse and wasn't in a situation to buy one (I currently live in Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia). I had a project due and just had to work through the pain and I would like to describe the effect.

I mostly use my middle finger, fourth finger and pinky when using the track pad. I have attached two photos of my fingers. These photos were taken two days after I stopped touching the track pad. Beyond the internal pain in my fingers, joints, and hands, my fingers get dry, rough, wrinkly, and the top layer of my skin comes off. Compare my first finger to my last two. Notice the difference in color and texture?

I don't know what to do about it. I can't rule out PCs as not having the same effect. I haven't used them as much recently. I hope the rest of you people allergic to the track pad are all doing well.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

out.to.sea

Sep 15, 2014 1:14 AM in response to Community User

Sorry, I meant 11-inch 2012. Even after not touching a trackpad for two weeks, my finger tips are still red and peeling. I might have come to the point of giving up my mac. It's too annoying carrying a mouse everywhere with me.

out.to.sea

Tai Hung

Level 1

0 points

Sep 19, 2014 8:59 AM in response to Community User

OMG I HAVE THE SAME THING!

I think it's thermal radiation burning through the skin...

I truly hope using electronic devices doesn't turn out to be carcinogenic like smoking cigarettes...

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How can I stop trackpad from hurting/burning my fingertips?