I have dire circulation, I’m usually wearing fingerless gloves and two thick pairs of socks, and making sure my hands are thoroughly warm before I start playing helps. I also find that ice packs are great when I get blisters. I think I came back from the Edinburgh Harp Festival with seven blistered fingers, I’d been playing so much, and it sorted them all out overnight! I’m very fond of these gel cold packs, which are excellent for injuries or pain relief too, and stay cold much longer than others I’ve tried. Plus you can strap them on.
I’d forgotten how good calendula salve is, thanks for reminding me. Slightly off-topic, does anyone know anything good for stopping bleeding, apart from styptic pencils? Blood thinners + facial moles = seriously annoying shaving cuts. (Not for me, I’m a woman.)