u know what i found, i find different string gauges affect how much my fingers 'hurt'
i actually get more pain using really light strings, eg. 9's i dunno they just really seem to 'cut' into my fingers if the strings are too thin.
think razorblades.
oh and if u didnt know already, if u wash your hands before playing, i think it softens up your fingers (a bad thing). that doesnt stop me though personally, i always wash my hands before playing haha