I can't exactly call myself a hand drummer, but I think I can help you with this question.  Unless you plan on becoming a conguero, and/or devote countless hours to hand drumming, I think you will be fine.  It is rough on the hands, but so is guitar, bass, 4-mallet marimba work using non-lacquered birch mallets(i.e. malletch mallets, i used to bleed on mine!), or violin.  But I seriously doubt you will notice anything more than the occasional blister, fatigue, or soreness that is part of learning any new instrument, unless of course you use improper technique and repeatedly do something like bash your thumbs on the metal rim of a conga!

I've been playing a djembe, and other hand drums, for over a year, once or twice a week.  No ill effects.  My stamina and timing, however, have gotten better.

I know people who have been playing hand drums regularly for years, and still play with no serious problems.

Expect an occasional sore spot or  muscle ache.

It is harder on the hands and arms than playing with sticks.  Some people get carpal tube problems from playing with sticks.   So, if you stop playing drums altogether, you'll never have any problem.

Sex can be dangerous, too.  But some things are just worth the risk.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again ........

if you are tearing up your hands like that, you are using some bad technique. The ONLY exception would be if you are playing numerous hours every day. Guys used to tear their hands up because the were competing with electronic instruments and where not running the hand drums through some sort of amplification.

There's no excuse nowadays.

Hand drums require that you FINESE' the drum, not beat the crap out of it. When I was first learning to play congas, I used to force the SLAP and was trying to beat the drum into submission. This is obviously BAD technique. You should be able to play conga slaps using only wrist bend ........ no forearm movement. It's the technique ... not brute force. I'm not saying you can't use arm motion for more volume, so don't misunderstand me.

Anything you do for long periods of time is going to cause wear and tear. Whether you are playing sports, working in the yard, or playing the drums .... if you go at it for long periods of time ... your body is going to show signs of wear.

Take care of your body, slowly build up your endurance and condition your body to handle the long hours. I play hand drums as much as I play drums .... which is a lot ..... and I don't have any problems with my hands, joints, skin, etc.

Hi I would like to respond on the damage some might experience well I have heard of leaving your hand drum in the sun which can loosen the skin on the drum and when you play it it might be out of tone dry or flaky on the the top  don't leave your drum in the sun for to much longer I also heard of finger nails scratches the smooth finish of the skin hide.

i play a lot of congas, bongos.

its all about the technique, true. but thats easier said than done, if you are new.

if your hands hurt, heed the message. above all, get mics if you are playing live.

it also helps to mix it up by playing some of the many other percussion toys, often with a stick so your hands are getting a rest.

no matter what you do, you will feel more fatigued playing congas for a gig than playing regular drums. it takes a lot more out of you, i find.