The fingers/hand swelling is definitely something to be expected by the kayakers. I always leave my ring at home, and it takes a day or two to be able to slip it back on again.
I find the molting ususlly kicks in ten or so days after the event. I started noticing it more so yesterday. Just another sweet reminder of your EC experience.
My hands and feet were in their best shape ever this year. But I did spend less time in the boat than previous years, with the winds kicking us down the coast. The only night I reached camp after dark (and sometimes even got to bed before dark!) was the last night, when we camped half-way across Flamingo Bay, and that wasn't particularly late. I believe that gave my hands and feet more rest time.
That being said, looking after these body parts, with your rear end, is, for a kayaker, one of the key aspects of enjoying an EC or not, or perhaps even finishing or not. Taking the time every evening to clean and dry out your bum and feet (and under your breasts for the women), with wet ones and baby powder, and then use something like Desitin on your bum every morning, and rub something like Joshua Tree Paddler's Salve into your feet every evening--and also into your hands every evening--will make all the difference. (You'll also smell that much better!)
I prefer not using gloves--tends to keep your hands that much wetter. I have a bit of Hydropel left, so use that off and on during the day, with Joshua Tree. As soon as I feel I'm getting a hot spot, I wrap a bit of water proof tape around the area--usually my left thumb by day 6. And removing that tape as soon as you hit the beach each day is also important.
KB