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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 14:19:38 GMT
I have extremely dry skin with cracks at the tips of most fingers at the top of my nails. I sleep with bandaids and aquaphor or neosporin every night. Also, aquaphor and gloves every night. They are so painful that I take Advil for the pain. It's crazy that such tiny cracks are extremely painful. All cracks are on the palm/fingers on the inside not outside (meaning no cracks on knuckles or back of hands).
Does anyone have this problem and any recommendations of what helped?
I do wash my hands all day long. I have a disabled German Shepherd that has lots of accidents, so constantly cleaning up, lifting her with her harness to take her outside. So I am doing laundry and washing my hands all day. I try to wear gloves but often I have to move fast and can't get them on. I use softsoap aloe very moisturizing soap.
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Post by disneypal on Feb 10, 2022 14:25:20 GMT
My friend has the same problem - I bought her some O'Keefe's Hand Cream and it worked for her. She says it was a lifesaver and always keeps it on hand now. I found it at Walmart. |
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Post by jjpeapea on Feb 10, 2022 14:26:44 GMT
My husband has something similar (yours sounds worse). Gloves and lotion every night. He uses skin glue when the cracks are deep and bleed. He uses a product called Mane N Tail Hoofmaker. It was for horses but people that applied it noticed their skin and nails improving. It helps but the cracks still appear if he lets up just a bit or treats his skin roughly (like carrying wood without gloves).
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,151 
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Post by lindas on Feb 10, 2022 14:28:57 GMT
For the first time in years my fingertips haven’t cracked but the palm of my hand is a mess. Cracked to the point of bleeding and itches terribly. I’ve try every over the counter medication and lotion and nothing helps.
I have a dr appt Monday so I’m hoping she can give me a prescription to help clear it up.
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,867
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Feb 10, 2022 14:31:19 GMT
I have similar issues with my fingertip near the corners of the nail. As much as it hurts, I use a file and file the cracked area on the fingertip down to where the dead skin is almost gone and the open area is closer to the surface. Once this is done, to me it helps relieve the pressure the dead skin is putting on the opening and makes it hurt a lot less! Then, also painful for a moment, I cover the open area with New Skin Liquid Bandage. Once the sting stops, you're good to go! I make sure to put it on the area several times a day until the spot is healed.
And bless you for taking such good care of your GSD! <3
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Post by busy on Feb 10, 2022 14:34:02 GMT
Something with urea will work well for that - like Kerasol or Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion.
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Post by gillyp on Feb 10, 2022 14:35:00 GMT
My friend has the same problem - I bought her some O'Keefe's Hand Cream and it worked for her. She says it was a lifesaver and always keeps it on hand now. I found it at Walmart. I swear by O’Keefes too. It’s amazing stuff. |
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 15:28:22 GMT
My friend has the same problem - I bought her some O'Keefe's Hand Cream and it worked for her. She says it was a lifesaver and always keeps it on hand now. I found it at Walmart. I have been using that for a few years! I does work well, and the backs of my hands have no problems at all (just the insides). I recommended O'Keefe's to my parents and my kids use it too. I have it in my car, and throughout the house! |
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 15:29:48 GMT
My husband has something similar (yours sounds worse). Gloves and lotion every night. He uses skin glue when the cracks are deep and bleed. He uses a product called Mane N Tail Hoofmaker. It was for horses but people that applied it noticed their skin and nails improving. It helps but the cracks still appear if he lets up just a bit or treats his skin roughly (like carrying wood without gloves). Yes, it's so frustrating because if I forget the band aids or gloves on night, they start to crack again. It the weather is above 70, it helps so much. Where does he get the skin glue? |
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 15:34:50 GMT
I have similar issues with my fingertip near the corners of the nail. As much as it hurts, I use a file and file the cracked area on the fingertip down to where the dead skin is almost gone and the open area is closer to the surface. Once this is done, to me it helps relieve the pressure the dead skin is putting on the opening and makes it hurt a lot less! Then, also painful for a moment, I cover the open area with New Skin Liquid Bandage. Once the sting stops, you're good to go! I make sure to put it on the area several times a day until the spot is healed. And bless you for taking such good care of your GSD! <3 Thanks so much! We are fortunate that I don't work and can care for her all day. Degenerative mylopathy is a very sad genetic disease in dogs (especially German Shepherds).
I will try your suggestions, thanks! I also have a permanent crack on one toe, and I have filed that area and it helps. I never considered trying on my fingers, but now I will. I may have New Skin Liquid Bandage in our first aid kit. My dad said he used blistex on his finger cracks as it's recommended for cracked lips.
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Post by idahomom on Feb 10, 2022 15:35:32 GMT
I also had splits on several fingers. Liquid Bandaid was always with me. O'Keefe's didn't work for me. And I hate the waxy feel on my hands. I had my wellness appointment last month and asked my doctor about it. She recommended Crisco and/or Camille Beckman glycerin hand cream. I would have tried Crisco at night but only found huge tubs of it. Camille Beckman scents are very strong so I ordered unscented on Amazon. I keep telling everyone I can't believe that one cream out of everything that I've tried actually works! I haven't had a split since 2 days after I started using Camille Beckman.
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Post by workingclassdog on Feb 10, 2022 15:50:12 GMT
Bag Balm (in the green can) works wonders.. it's really for cow's teats..  but used for lots of stuff... I started using it 20 years ago and never looked back. I would slather that stuff on my heels and wear cotton socks to bed one or two nights and have brand new soft heels. I would do the same with hands if needed. |
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Post by cindosha on Feb 10, 2022 15:53:41 GMT
Make sure you don't have a fungal infection. That can cause cracking and bleeding.
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Post by malibou on Feb 10, 2022 15:55:21 GMT
Bag balm for sure. Dh will slather it on his hands, and then top it with whatever hand lotion to cut down on the sticky feeling. His hands improve over night.
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Post by chitchatgirl on Feb 10, 2022 16:04:57 GMT
Sounds like mine. I have dishidrotic eczema ( I’m sure I’ve misspelled it).
One thing that seems to help is Flexitol heel balm and gloves at night. I only do it when they are really bad though. I can’t stand the way that stuff smells.
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Post by jjpeapea on Feb 10, 2022 16:06:25 GMT
My husband has something similar (yours sounds worse). Gloves and lotion every night. He uses skin glue when the cracks are deep and bleed. He uses a product called Mane N Tail Hoofmaker. It was for horses but people that applied it noticed their skin and nails improving. It helps but the cracks still appear if he lets up just a bit or treats his skin roughly (like carrying wood without gloves). Yes, it's so frustrating because if I forget the band aids or gloves on night, they start to crack again. It the weather is above 70, it helps so much. Where does he get the skin glue? It's the New Skin mentioned above. We get it at Walmart. |
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Post by hdoublej on Feb 10, 2022 16:15:53 GMT
I use vitamin E cream and it works well for me. Be sure it's the cream and not the lotion though. It takes the pain away and heals the cracks quickly.
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Feb 10, 2022 16:36:21 GMT
Some great suggestions here! I have the same issue in the winter since I live in a very dry climate that gets cold. I do the Aquaphor and bandaids at night method, with Neutragena Norwegian Hand Cream on the parts of my hands not covered by bandaids. I also don't wait for a crack to completely form - if I feel like a crack is forming I start the Aquaphor and bandaids that night.
Due to my job I wash my hands a lot every day and one thing I've found that helps with the dryness and cracking is to use hand lotion right after I wash my hands every single time. I find that this helps quite a bit. I keep hand lotion by all of the sinks in my house and I have some at my desk at work. It's when I get too busy and don't apply hand lotion religiously that I find my hands starting to crack.
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Post by MZF on Feb 10, 2022 16:42:18 GMT
Flexitol Heel Balm, same as a pp says— works great on fingers and elbows, too. I’ve used Bag Balm for years when I’d get cracked fingertips when I would sew/quilt a lot with cotton fabrics ( sucks the oils right out of skin), but using Flexitol lately and really like it.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,800
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Post by TXMary on Feb 10, 2022 16:46:39 GMT
I have the same problem- hands and feet. My dad did too and I think I got it from him. I have tried everything and none of it works. I do use the liquid bandage. I just buy HEB brand. But you have to apply several times a day. It stops the hurt. I have the best luck with Norwegian Hand cream but it's thick and I can't stand it. I apply it right before I go to sleep.
I used to use a humidifier and that helped. Mine is ancient so I ordered a new one from Amazon and it should be here today. Hoping it helps because I'm miserable.
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Post by Ryann on Feb 10, 2022 17:47:21 GMT
If you haven't already, I highly suggest seeing a dermatologist.
I have extremely sensitive skin and it doesn't take much to make my hands distressed. For daily maintenance I use Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream. When they are cracked and burning (feels like they are on fire!) I have a prescription steroid cream I can use that works miracles. If they are really dry, but not on yet on "fire", I'll use Aquafor with socks.
For washing my hands, I have found that L'Occitane Lavender Shea Butter Liquid Hand Soap works the best for my skin. I'm sensitive to smells and while it is scented I can tolerate it (but don't care for it). I find most hands soaps are too fragranced for my nose. I've tried different variations of Softsoap, Dove, Soapbox, Method, Mrs. Meyer's, Puracy, J.R. Watkins, etc.
I hope you find what works for you. We use our hands all day, every day, so having happy hands is important!
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Post by micpea on Feb 10, 2022 17:59:21 GMT
I use super glue on the cracks. The pain is from the crack spreading open. Once sealed closed, takes a couple of days & all better. After the glue, I use a good hand lotion & at night just use O'Keefes on my hands. Since I learned that trick...so much better. Good Luck with whatever you try. Finger cracks are painful!
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Post by baslp on Feb 10, 2022 18:16:35 GMT
I was told to try Triple antibiotic ointment + pain relief on the skin cracks at the end of my nails. It has helped!
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Post by sideways on Feb 10, 2022 18:44:37 GMT
Moisturize at night. Use liquid bandage on the cracks during the day. Part of the reason they take so long to heal is that water gets in the cracks and ends up drying them out more, making them take longer to heal. Liquid bandage seals over the cracks so water can’t get in.
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 19:19:45 GMT
Some great suggestions here! I have the same issue in the winter since I live in a very dry climate that gets cold. I do the Aquaphor and bandaids at night method, with Neutragena Norwegian Hand Cream on the parts of my hands not covered by bandaids. I also don't wait for a crack to completely form - if I feel like a crack is forming I start the Aquaphor and bandaids that night. Due to my job I wash my hands a lot every day and one thing I've found that helps with the dryness and cracking is to use hand lotion right after I wash my hands every single time. I find that this helps quite a bit. I keep hand lotion by all of the sinks in my house and I have some at my desk at work. It's when I get too busy and don't apply hand lotion religiously that I find my hands starting to crack. Yes I for sure need to put lotion on every time I wash my hands. I put a new lotion bottle up this week! I am guilty of not doing the band aids when they heal, then I pay for it. I am off to Walmart later to get many of these recommendations! I forgot about the norwegian hand ceam. I used to have it and liked it. Thanks for the recommendations! |
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Feb 10, 2022 19:37:12 GMT
I call it "winter thumb." I seem most prone to it on the thumb of my right hand although I have had it on other fingertips as well.
I put on lotion every time I wash hands anyway, so winter thumb takes more drastic measures. I keep the O'Keefe's next to my chair so I can put a dab in my palm and then I just gently massage the thumb (or other finger) into it repeatedly. That generally takes care of it. I put a urea-based cream on my feet every night so I also work that into the cracks really good when they appear in winter.
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Post by littlemama on Feb 10, 2022 19:40:45 GMT
I use Neutrogena Norwegian formula unscented. It is very thick and I dont rub it in all the way. Can only be used at night because it is so thick. That is the only thing that works for me (well, the scented version would, but I dont like it!)
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 20:51:28 GMT
If you haven't already, I highly suggest seeing a dermatologist. I have extremely sensitive skin and it doesn't take much to make my hands distressed. For daily maintenance I use Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream. When they are cracked and burning (feels like they are on fire!) I have a prescription steroid cream I can use that works miracles. If they are really dry, but not on yet on "fire", I'll use Aquafor with socks. For washing my hands, I have found that L'Occitane Lavender Shea Butter Liquid Hand Soap works the best for my skin. I'm sensitive to smells and while it is scented I can tolerate it (but don't care for it). I find most hands soaps are too fragranced for my nose. I've tried different variations of Softsoap, Dove, Soapbox, Method, Mrs. Meyer's, Puracy, J.R. Watkins, etc. I hope you find what works for you. We use our hands all day, every day, so having happy hands is important! There is a 5 month wait to see a dermatologist in our area, so frustrating. I will look for the L'ocitane soap. I can't use Bath and Body Works soap, and I love it! But I can usually use it in the summer when my hands are a bit better. |
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 20:52:50 GMT
I use super glue on the cracks. The pain is from the crack spreading open. Once sealed closed, takes a couple of days & all better. After the glue, I use a good hand lotion & at night just use O'Keefes on my hands. Since I learned that trick...so much better. Good Luck with whatever you try. Finger cracks are painful! What super glue do you use? |
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Post by maryland on Feb 10, 2022 20:53:50 GMT
I call it "winter thumb." I seem most prone to it on the thumb of my right hand although I have had it on other fingertips as well. I put on lotion every time I wash hands anyway, so winter thumb takes more drastic measures. I keep the O'Keefe's next to my chair so I can put a dab in my palm and then I just gently massage the thumb (or other finger) into it repeatedly. That generally takes care of it. I put a urea-based cream on my feet every night so I also work that into the cracks really good when they appear in winter. Me too, the right hand most of the time! |
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but used for lots of stuff... I started using it 20 years ago and never looked back. I would slather that stuff on my heels and wear cotton socks to bed one or two nights and have brand new soft heels. I would do the same with hands if needed. 
