It was when we were playing so much in the early 90's. Hot sweaty pubs and my hands sweating. I would notice little blisters in between my fingers, which would burst after a while and then the skin became red raw and flaky and finally would split. It was agony. I used to dry my hands on a towel after every song but it didn't help much. I got tests done at work but nothing was conclusive. It was myself that worked out that it was the nickel, as I could never wear a cheap watch. My wrist would flare up. I tried the stainless and it was like a revelation. No more discomfort. I have since tried nickel strings on occasion and I very quickly start to feel that itching starting in between my fingers again.