I, too, use Thimblepads, the little leather stick on thingies. Love 'em.
For healing, try something called Crack Care. It's heals cracked fingers in a matter of a day or two and stops the pain almost immediately. It should easily heal pin/needle pricks overnight and without the sloppy mess of Bag Balm. The stuff is truly amazing and a small container lasts a long, long time because you use just a little bit and it works so fast. It's well worth the price.
Two sources:
http://www.nhmade.com/product/teatre...-by-crackcare/
http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/pr...lavender-salve