Originally Posted by: Mike Olekshy

First off -- give your fingers a rest and come back to it when they feel a little better. Soaking your fingertips in apple cider vinegar for 30 seconds may help with the soreness and develop calluses quicker. Some also suggest drying out your fingertips a few times a day by applying rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball -- this can hasten the formation of calluses.

A guitar teacher told me many, many years ago to soak your fingertips in strong ice tea. The cold to soothe the pain and the tannic acid to toughen the skin.