I have never did any martial arts but when I first started boxing I had my nuckles bleeding, tearing the skin, and red as crap. Mainly just from hitting on the heavy bag and the mitts. But, after a while, they just toughned up so they dont do any of that stuff anymore. I guess theres no harm in trying to give them some more time to rest, but still keep it moving, dont let it get all stiff.