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Unless you have experienced cracked fingertips, you have no idea how painful and aggravating this problem can be. For one thing, it can be incredibly challenging to button a blouse or a pair of pants. Opening bottles or lids hurts like heck. Just typing on a keyboard can be harrowing. As far as we know, there are no FDA-approved medications for cracked fingertips. As a result, people have searched for all sorts of home remedies with varied success. At this time of year a lot of people are suffering. Here is one reader’s quest for help.
Winter Is Hard on Skin:
Q. Every year during the winter months, I have a problem with my thumbs cracking at the edge of my thumbnails. It takes weeks for them to heal, and the cracks are very painful. They do not respond to any crack creams or lotions. They clear up on their own only to reappear a few weeks later. They look exactly like a cut, but they hurt a lot more. What can you suggest?
A. Many people find that liquid bandage can help protect these fingertip splits so they can heal more quickly.
Here’s another reader’s report on this problem:
“It can be extremely painful just doing everyday things: washing dishes, picking up small objects, buttoning clothes or writing. The only thing that gives me any relief has been instant glue. My doctor said I could use it as long as it wasn’t a big, gaping wound. The glue gets hard enough to protect the cuts, keeps out water, dirt, bacteria and stays on just long enough to let my cut heal from the inside out and then it peels off.”
Instant Glue to the Rescue:
We have heard from a great many visitors that different kinds of instant glue can seal cracked fingertips. Here are just a few stories:
Jeremy in Ohio loves instant glue:
Super Glue works wonders for me. While others say it’s probably not good to do so, I have never experienced anything harmful as a result.”
Frank in Tampa, Florida thinks Crazy Glue is great…or does he mean Krazy Glue?
“Same problem in weather below 50-55F (that is COLD by FL standards!). Cuts are very painful and prevent you from handling small objects, tying your shoes, etc. Best solution so far has been the runny type of Crazy Glue. Gel type does not penetrate into the cut and will not hold skin edges together. I never leave home without it during my snowbird migration.”
Joe in Rhode Island disagrees with Frank in Florida about Gel:
“After reading a lot of these remedies for cracked fingertips, I went with the Super Glue. What a difference! I wouldn’t even be able to type this if it wasn’t for the Glue. I used the Gel Super Glue from a discount store for about $3. Much much better and thanks for the tip!”
Hondo in New Orleans says the cheaper the better:
“I used to have problems with cracked fingertips only during the cold months. As I get older, this became an all-year-round painful issue.
“I tried almost every cream and moisturizer for my cracked fingertips, but they provided little help. I started using Finger Care and Liquid Skin with some good results, but the cracks kept coming back.
“I experimented with SUPER GLUE (original formula) and it works great and provides instant pain relief. Use Super Glue as soon as you notice or feel the crack coming back, but continue using moisturizers as often as possible. Don’t buy the expensive Super Glue, look for the original product that comes in small tubes. I hope this help those suffering with this painful condition.”
Cindi likes the Locktite brand of instant glue:
“I have used about every brand out there and have found Locktite brand (blue bottle) gel to be the best for me. I have used all the other skin adhesives: New Skin, Bandaid Liquid, etc.,with little satisfaction; they just don’t stay on for long and require multiple applications throughout the day. I hope this is helpful and informative.
“It may sting for a few secs when first applied, but it not only stops the pain, it protects the opening from germs, and heals them, usually within 3 days.
“I have 13 doctors now, one being a dermatologist. She approves this method since I’ve been seeing her. There are articles in the offices supporting this method.”
Polar Hands:
One of the most surprising reports we found in the medical literature comes from Antarctica. Thirteen individuals suffering with “polar hands,” characterized by splits in the fingertips, healed when they put cyanoacrylate glue on the cracks (Arctic Medical Research, July 1993). They used the Histoacryl Blue brand, but probably any similar liquid bandage would work about as well.
Vicks VapoRub and Vaseline to the Rescue:
Glue is not the only option. Although some readers have not been satisfied with any ointments or lotions, others have found brands that help:
Vicks VapoRub is greasy, but it helped this artist:
“I am an artist. Since I turned 50, my fingertips would split and bleed whenever I handled paper, worked in the garden or washed too often. It was almost impossible to put any kind of pressure on my fingers. I was wearing bandages on my fingertips and feeling debilitated.
“Since treating them with Vicks, my hands have stopped splitting and bleeding. They had been so sore I had trouble doing any fine finger work. I conclude my fingers must also have had a fungal infection and the oils in the VapoRub have helped my skin stay whole.”
Petrolatum is often recommended by dermatologists:
“I work outside at night in the coldest of cold nights in Minnesota. What works best is Vaseline applied several times during the night. When I get home I apply it liberally again and then put on inexpensive cotton gloves before bed. My sheets stay clean and my cuticles are pain free all winter long.”
Aquaphor also contains petrolatum. Here is a novel way to apply it.
“Alaska winters and caring for a toddler combine to wreak havoc on the same finger and both thumbs every winter. My current scheme is to cut the fingers off rubber gloves, apply large amounts of Aquaphor over the splits and wear the cut-off fingers of the gloves. I switch to full gloves whenever my hands are immersed in water or I’m using cleaning supplies. If I can’t use salve, I switch to liquid bandage.”
Tracey is in Washington State. Her work requires dexterity, which is almost impossible with cracked fingertips. She came up with a variation on the rubber glove trick:
“FINGER COTS! For several years I’ve been experiencing splits on fingers and thumbs. My business is making custom jewelry. That’s almost impossible with split fingers.
“My doctor recommended Aquaphor which does help, sometimes. Lately they are so bad I’ve been using Neosporin ointment or some other antibiotic ointment (I’ll try ANYTHING!).
“Neither one really does any better than the other. What I want to share with everyone suffering these horrible, incredibly painful splits is “finger cots.” I ordered several boxes of them on line. I put a lot of my goop of choice on the split and put the cot over the goop and unroll it down the finger.
“My splits are healing much faster with this method. They also stay on while I’m sleeping, making my mornings much nicer. Just do an online search for “Grafco latex finger cots” and order them as fast as you can (as long as you have no latex allergies). I ordered 3 boxes of 144 and glad I did. Good Luck!”
Other Strategies for Cracked Fingertips:
Biotin:
We recently shared a story from a reader who has type 2 diabetes. She complained of thin fingernails. Her podiatrist recommended a dietary supplement called biotin. To her surprise it also worked for cracked fingertips. You can read her story at this link and read about the pros and cons of biotin.
Manuka Honey:
This honey comes from New Zealand and is purported to have antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Another reader reports that Manuka honey helps heal deep cracks and crevices on his fingers. Learn about this special honey and fingernail cracks at this link.
Lip Balm:
Many readers tell us that lip balm is the answer to cracked fingertips. One reader shared this tip:
“As a dairy farmer, I have to wash my hands many times daily. The cracked fingertips that result are very painful.
“To counter that, I keep a tube of lip balm (any kind) handy in my pocket and apply it often. It is very thick and stays in the crack to help it heal.”
What About Giving Urea Skin Relief a Try?
It took us almost a decade to create The People’s Pharmacy Urea Skin Relief Intensive Skin Therapy with 20% Urea. Actually, Charles (Chuck) Friedman helped us create this amazing skin cream that hydrates and restores dry rough skin to a healthier and smoother texture.
Chuck has over 50 years experience formulating a wide variety of personal care products. For example, he was Scientific Director for Burt’s Bees from 1994 until 2003. If you have ever used a skin care product from Burt’s Bees, Chuck might well have contributed to its formulation.
Urea is crucial for skin hydration. It also has restorative and antibacterial properties. That means it is especially helpful for dry, cracked skin. Here’s a link to our handy 2 oz tube. You can easily carry it around in a handbag, store a tube by the kitchen skin or have it on your nightstand. It does not have phthalates or parabens!
Wondering what to get family and friends for stocking stuffer affordable gifts? What better present than the 2 oz. People’s Pharmacy Urea Skin Relief? This handy tube is small enough to go almost anywhere and will provide many days of dry skin relief. This is our holiday gift favorite! Order now to beat the holiday shipping nightmare.
Want something more for your favorite family member? How about a book by Joe & Terry Graedon?
Spice Up Your Health: How Everyday Kitchen Herbs & Spices Can Lengthen & Strengthen Your Life
Share your own success story:
If you’ve experienced cracked fingertips or dry cracked hands and skin, what’s worked for you? Please leave your story in the comment section below.
Ruth
Liquid bandage products are great for open cracks. It can sting so icing thebarea first can help with discomfort. In the end the trick is to identify the irritant. Latex garden gloves are a problem for me. But my biggest culprit was lemon verbena scent added to my favorite hand soaps and creams. Although this brand was touted as natural, this natural ingredient was an irritant. Cracked finger tips were a major problem until I changed to unscented hand products. Preferably with shea butter.
Marjorie
My father shared his tip with me 30 yrs ago. Chapstick! It works immediately to sooth and heals in a day for small cracks and a couple of days for larger. You can carry it with you, has no odor, is not noticeable, and is inexpensive!
John
I use Dr Willard’s Premium Aloe Gel Moisturizer. I put it on my hands every night. It keeps them soft all winter.
Kathy
I use calendula flower salve on cracked fingertips and any small cuts on the skin. It heals them very well and quickly.
Pam
Would any of these remedies work for cracked toes which happens because of my chilblains?
Linda
I have fewer problems with cracked fingertips if I keep my vitamin D levels in the upper half of the so-called ‘normal’ range. When my vitamin D levels get low, I experience more cracking.
Drew
I used to suffer from cracked fingertips and tried everything with no success. I read somewhere that some people are allergic to nickel and found that the bottom of my watch contained nickel. I stopped wearing a watch and haven’t had any fingertip cracks since – over 30 years ago. I received a smartwatch as a gift about 3 years ago and tried wearing it. The cracks returned within a couple of months. The cracks stopped shortly after removing the watch.
Carolyn
Non fossil fuels , nontoxic, instant remedy for fingers and heels is Na PACA. It’s one of those natural sprays that has a very long name, so people abbreviate it. It hurts on open cracks that are bleeding, but it softens up even the tough heel skin I had for 40 years.
It’s good for hair and nails, too.
Daniel
I put zinc ointment on it and put a bandage over that and leave it on overnight. After 6 nites it’s healed.
Andrea G
Zinc oxide ointments for babies such as Desitin and bandages on cracks keeps them dry and they heal in a couple of days. It works for cracked heels as well. I taught ceramics for decades and have tried almost everything. This seems to do the trick for me.
Simcha
I use the triple antibiotic ointment covered with band aid overnight. In the morning it feels great. In fact i just did it last night before this item appeared on my email.
Jeanette
I, too, have trouble with splits next to my fingernails. The first thing I did was to start wearing gloves whenever adding wood to my woodstove. That took away 90% of the problem, but I still get occasional splits. Glues and Liquid Bandage are too painful to put on, and because I’m in my chicken coop multiple times a day, I wash my hands a lot. There go the glues! What’s been working for me this fall is People’s Pharmacy Urea Skin Relief! I lather it on before bed and make sure it gets under my fingernails. By morning the pain is gone, and after 3-4 days the split is healed!
Thank you People’s Pharmacy!
Jan
Bag Balm is an old tried and true remedy. I’m surprised the farmer doesn’t use it. It’s for chapped cow udders.
Rocky
I swear by super glue. I buy the Loctite brand . we experimented with several differnt brands and Loctite has a bit more flexibility so it doesn’t chip off so fast.
Karen
I use Campho-Phenique when my fingers split. I also use on cold sores and on my nose if I have irritated it from constant blowing.
Rick
Ammonium lactate 12% cream is the best thing I have found.
David
Back in the day we used to use bag balm (originally for cows) or corn huskers lotion. Both work pretty good
Kathe
A drop of tea tree oil, applied a few times daily (especially at bedtime) on the sore corner, stops the pain and heals cracking within 2-3 days.
Judith
I rub Badger Foot Balm on the tips of my fingers every night before I go to bed. That really works for me.
Diane
We use unscented No-Crack Hand Cream (available from Duluth Trading and other stores) to heal cracks on fingertips. It contains allantoin. I dab a little on the crack, cover with a band aid, and change it when necessary. The cracks are usually healed within a couple days.
Michael N
Tried and true remedy just put triple antibiotic ointment on when you go to bed. In about two days you will see the cracks are healing. Put some on in the morning too.
Babs N
Urea Skin Relief is the only treatment that has healed the cracks around my thumbs. I had used all of the other treatments in the article. I use it over night and throughout the day. I also always wear rubber gloves when I wash dishes.
Joanne
I recently had good results with O’Keefe’s Skin Repair body cream. I used it with gloves at night.
Kathleen
Super glue for $1.25 at the Dollar Tree as opposed to liquid bandage from the drug store for $7-$10 is the way to go. Great for those pesky paper cuts.
Katie
I haven’t had any cracks this past year since I’ve been using Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream every night.
Darryl
Paw paw cream works for me and in a short amount of time
Cindy
The best remedy I’ve found is prevention! I mix coconut oil, white sugar and brown sugar. I keep it in a container by the kitchen. A couple of times a day in the winter especially I dampen my hands first, then get a couple of tablespoons out and scrub my hands. When you rinse, use cold water, and gently rinse it off. I continue to rub the coconut oil in my hands.
Tamela
Before bed, bite or cut a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze it out on the split. Wrap it with band-aid. The split will be healed by morning! This works! This method is from a past company nurse at the window factory in Iowa.
Steve
You can get cracked skin (including fingertips) from too much water or chemicals or from handling objects (often metal) with sharp edges. Usually worse are the cracked fingertips you can get from cold, dry air because the cold, dry air keeps coming. So covering the hands any way you can while healing is important, as is treating them with what works best. I did not know about the super glue, which I will add to my arsenal in desperate times.
Margie
I’ve been bothered with painful fingertip/nail margin cracks for years. After trying nearly everything suggested I have found that the fastest way to heal for me is at night time to put a dab of “Egyptian Magic” (an olive oil/honey product ointment found at health food outlets and Costco no less) on a bandaid and keep that fingertip covered and bandage dry. I can get that crack on the way to healing almost overnight. The secret is not to let the crack get dry – the moistness from the ointment speeds the healing and greatly reduces the pain.
Magda
I have been experiencing the same painful cracked fingers as described by the other readers. After trying everything to soften the affected areas and get rid of my sand paper skin, I broke a leaf off my aloe plant and rubbed the gel into not only the broken skin but also the rest of my hands and fingers. By morning, the cracks had fully healed, and the sand paper roughness of my skin was greatly improved. Now I apply the gel every day to prevent problems. It just takes one small leaf per day to do the trick.
The aloe plant is easy to grow, and it produces “babies” by itself so it is cost effective. I still use hand cream several times a day after washing dishes because I have very dry skin even during the summer. It is such a treat to have normal hands again.
Jeff
I had painful cracked fingertips for years every winter, but only in winter. I take a multivitamin daily year round but I added 1000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily in winter, and have not had one crack since. It’s been about 8 years. As with all vitamins, best to only buy USP certified so you are assured of getting a correct dose, and check with a doctor first if taking any meds.
Jeri
Thanks to earlier reports from Pepole’s Pharmacy readers, I eliminated cracked fingertips as well as canker sores in my mouth by no longer using soaps or toothpaste that contain sodium laurel sulfate (SLS).
STEVE
To combat cracked fingertips and dried cuticles in the winter, I apply Bag Balm (green metal container) liberally at night before going to bed, and put on a pair of cheap cotton work gloves to keep it from getting on my sheets. It’s thick enough that it doesn’t come off readily, and in 2-3 days my cuticles are repaired and I experience many fewer split fingertips.
Jane
At bedtime, I apply povidone iodine on the cut (to kill bacteria) then apply Aquaphor on the hand(s), especially on and around the nails. I then wear white cotton gloves to keep these medications on my hands throughout the night.
Karen
Warning: if using lip balm on fingers, be sure to use a new tube and dedicate it to fingers only. Use a separate one for lips. My husband did not and developed Paronychia (Nail Infection).
Drew
I had this problem – cracked fingertips- for a couple of years. After seeing an article about the metal nickel causing an allergic reaction in some people, I took off my watch and have not had cracked fingertips since. I had worn a watch from the time I was 14 – I think I must have developed an allergy to nickel.
Alicia
I use a cleansing oil as hand soap in my bathroom. Even though I only use it a couple times a day, it keeps my hands soft. No other cream or anything else has worked as well, even in the middle of winter.
Phil
New Skin works well.
Linda
I seem to wash my hands a lot all the time, and they stay dry all year round but are worse, even in Florida winters. I finally broke down and tried O’Keeffe’s Working Hand Cream and it is the best thing I’ve ever used. I use it every night just before bed and the cracks on my fingers and backs of my hands healed up after a couple of weeks and my hands are now really soft as long as I use it regularly. I tried a copycat store brand since O’Keeffe’s price went up above its already expensive (to me) price but it doesn’t work as well.
Twila
My favorite remedy for cracked fingertips, hangnalis, or paper cuts is Burt’s Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter. I swear by it, I have great results. Second to that would be organic shea butter. The brand I usually use is called Nourish but there are many that don’t contain added stuff.
Mary
Years ago an older lady looked at my finger tips with several painful splits and said “smooth the skin around the split with the finishing side of a nail file.” I tried it, and it decreases the thickness of the skin, so the gap isn’t as deep and doesn’t pull apart as much. Then I put on liquid bandage, and that has shortened the healing time of those painful splits! I’ve never read or heard of this before, but it has worked for me!
Dave
For cracked/split fingertips, also for a bleeding “quick” that has been pulled out of the side of the fingernail thus causing the bleed, we have regularly used Gold Cross alcoholic Iodine Tincture and in a day or 2, the crack is dried and healed. The iodine initially stings, but it is killing the germs as well. Apply a few times a day.
Nancy
I use finger cots with aloe jelly under the finger cot.
SUSAN
Thank you, thank you for the tip about Vicks VapoRub. It worked immediately and took the pain away from my finger tips. I never would have considered this product and was skeptical, but now I’m sold. What a relief. Thank you.
Corinne
Super-excited to try this super-glue idea. I’ve been using New Skin but it’s not helping. I also bought this lotion called “Gloves in a Bottle.” It’s amazing stuff for overall hand health, and it’s not greasy at ALL. I have sensory issues, and I hate the texture of lotion.
I’m also going to try the finger cot idea and also the cotton gloves idea.
I also use medicated Blistex ointment, not the stick, and bandaids. I’m just bad at remembering to do it. It does help for milder cracks.
I have one that cracked so badly it went the whole way down the side of my nail into the cuticle. In misery, which is how I landed here.
Thank you
Charles
Bag Balm works for me. Always used it on the farm and it is antiseptic.
Jessica
I had a very stubborn painful crack at the corner of my thumb. Tried first aid creams, ointments, hand creams, lip balms, Vaseline, Vicks, liquid bandage with limited results. It kept coming back. My daughter suggested coconut oil, and it worked! Very inexpensive. Found a small jar for $1.00 which lasted well over a year. Applied it to the crack after handwashing, at bedtime, and anytime it bothered me. Was gone in about a week. The oil is solid at room temp, but melts on contact with skin. Good for chapped hands, lips too.
Cate
Constant problem — lip balm never occurred to me, but it sounds like a good thing for daytime use, when one is up and around and doing things with the hands, and easy to re-do after immersing hands in water, etc.. At night, homeopathic cream containing hypericum and calendula (Hypercal) is excellent — wash hands, dry, apply cream, and cover affected finger area with a band aid. By morning there is often noticeable healing.
Claudia
I found blister bandaids work wonders on cracked skin on my thumbs. The bandaid cushions again discomfort. After wearing one for a few days, the crack is almost completely healed.
Mitch E
I’ve found great success using A & D Ointment. Once I notice the discomfort of a crack forming I bring out the ointment along with a bandaid for overnight use. I continue usage through the next day and night. Mine are usually pain-free after 36 to 48 hours. My experience has been to jump on it at the onset for the best results.
Susan
I agree that these splits are tiny but mighty, in how painful they are. I use a generous dab of Desitin ointment on the cut— which is usually on my thumb— and apply a bandaid to cover the greasiness ,and keep the cream in place. I discovered this remedy when my children were in diapers. I thought that if it cleared up patches of diaper rash overnight, that it might help my fingers. It sure did and has been my go to remedy for over 40 years.
Adrienne
I’ve been using brush-on nail glue for years. The brush makes it super easy to apply to my cracked fingertips.
Tara
Comfrey oil!! I have a farm and plant nursery and dislike working in gloves. I have my hands in the dirt a lot, and mixing potting soil really dries out my hands and causes cracking in the fingertips. I have found that a thick salve made with comfrey oil heals faster than any other. I make mine with comfrey oil, calendula oil, lanolin, Shea butter/cocoa butter, vitamin E oil & beeswax in a double boiler. Mint, pine, tea tree, lavender and other essential oils can be used if needed/desired. Neem is also a good addition if infection is a concern. I made this formula to use on my milk cows’ teats in winter, and it prevents cracked chapped teats…along with human fingers!
It’s way, way better than commercial bag balm or anything else sold for cattle. They sell comfrey salves at any decent health food store but that is not affordable in amounts needed for cows, and sometimes they are too thin for cracked fingers. Now I make a half gallon every year, and it’s for all of us.
Judy
For cracked fingers (especially thumbs) I always wear gloves outdoors when temps are cold and always use a lubricant (hand lotion) the minute I have dried my hands after washing. Don’t wait to use it until skin is completely dry. Rubber gloves for dishwashing makes a big difference, too. A little bit of cortisone cream helps when the pain is bad. I have used NuSkin but will try Super Glue after these recommendations.
Thank you for your good advice.
Mary
I tried cutting out cow’s milk. I read some years ago that that helps heal finger splits. My finger splits healed in days after stopping cow’s milk. I can’t remember why this is supposed to work but it does for me. It was like a miracle. Recently, l tried milk on cereal for 2 days. One finger split open again. It is worth a try. As a cooked ingredient, cow’s milk seems to cause no problem. I can eat goat’s milk yogurt with no problems.
Mike
I too have been using O’Keefe’s Working Hands for more than two years now. A half teaspoon rubbed into the hands at bedtime and no more cracked finger tips. Even better the greasy feeling disappears after a couple minutes so gloves are not needed. I use it daily all year round.
Brian
O’KEEFFE’S Working Hands works for me. It’s not greasy and has no scent.
Laura
During the first winter I lived in Colorado I was checking out books in the library with a bandaid on almost every fingertip because of sore cracks. The librarian on duty asked about them and told me to go to Walmart and purchase “Udderly Smooth”. She told me it was originally designed for cows’ cracked teats. Wow! Great advice, and I’ve used it ever since.
Kim
I use original Chap Stick on my hands and especially fingertips and cuticles. Found it really cheap a few years ago, and bought out the store. No problems since.
Susan
I lived in England for many years, suffering finger splits every winter. My GP told me to use Preparation H on the splits, saying it contains an ingredient that attracts oxygen for healing. I have used it for years with great success. Also, as noted by another commenter, finger cots are very useful.
Julie
I don’t use antibacterial soap for hand washing and changed from Dawn dish soap to Palmolive, and it’s helped my dry cracked fingers a lot.
Kathy
I buy Nexcare waterproof bandages and cut the clear tape off on each end and place over crack & 1-2 days totally closed crack. Plus no pain when tape on because the air & water can’t get to it.
Marty
As a retired pharmacist, I’ve had access to numerous creams and ointments for dry and cracked fingertips.
My personal recommendation for what worked best for me was a vitamin A & D ointment.
Apply as often as possible, and rub in well. Overnight, a latex finger cot keeps sheets and pillowcases stain-free and helps keep the ointment in close contact with the skin for the fastest results. Any generic A & D ointment will work as well as a brand name.
Personally, I don’t think it was either the vitamin A or D ingredients but the high lanolin content.
I should experiment with straight lanolin ointment to see if the results are comparable or better.
Mary
I use Cetaphil moisturizing cream every night when I go to bed, and it really helps with the cracked fingers. Also keeps your hands smooth.
Mark
Best product I’ve found is Bag Balm. TSC sells it and so does Walmart.
Leslie
I drink more plain, clear water… close to half your body weight in ounces. Not coffee, tea, pop or any liquid but water counts. No more chapped lips either.
Andrew
I started suffering from cracked fingers in my 50s. I read somewhere that an allergy to nickel can cause that problem. I had worn a watch from the time I was a teenager – it had a nickel-metal bottom. I stopped wearing a watch and have not had the problem since.
Penelope
For winter chaps and cracks, to help soften the skin there’s also Cornhusker’s Lotion. Use the Superglue to close the crack, then Cornhusker’s to soften the skin and help prevent further cracking!
Sandy
I have tried just about everything for the painful finger cracks. What works for me is Exuviance Heel & Elbow dry skin repair cream. Oddly, it is an exfoliant but it works. Just to be consistent with a tiny amount around each fingertip nightly. I squeeze it from the tube into a small jar as just a little amount is necessary. It is expensive, however a tube will last almost a year. I discovered this cracked finger solution when I was using this nightly on my feet. I discovered that my cracked fingers had disappeared.
Barb
O’Keefe’s Working Hands cream has been the best solution for me. I have some in my car as well as at home. If I am out doing errands, I use hand sanitizer when I get back in my car (further drying out my skin) so after the hand sanitizer dries, I use the cream on my fingertips. I have tried NewSkin, which helps temporarily if one of the cracks has gotten really bad, but using O’Keefe’s regularly has kept that from happening this winter.
SteveD
I have found that triple antibiotic cream with pain relief solves this problem very quickly for me. I previously used liquid bandage which worked great as well.
Cliff
Gel Finger Cots allow me to type.
O’Keefe’s Working Hands protects.
Kathy
My husband suffered from cracked and bleeding fingertips for years – trying every cream available, gloves for every task, finger cots, dermatologist visits. When he had mitral valve repair surgery, his hands miraculously healed, and the splits did not reoccur. He claimed that open heart surgery was worth it if it gave him relief from splitting, painful, bleeding fingertips.
About a year later, the splits came back. He went to a new dermatologist. She said the reason they healed from surgery was the antibiotics. She gave the condition a name – then put him on a low-dose antibiotic for 6 weeks. His hands healed again and have been perfect for over 15 years. His hygiene was careful; his hands were always protected; his work outside or inside did not involve trauma to his fingertips. He simply suffered for YEARS. Now, he doesn’t.
LeeLa
Neosporin and liquid bandage is the miracle treatment for me! I give my hands a good wash, rub Neosporin into the crack & cover the area with liquid bandage.
This holds up to repeated hand washing throughout the day & cracks heal within a day or so.
Angelo
My doctor looked at my cracked fingers and told me he knew exactly what it was. Fungus. He prescribed for me econazole nitrate cream 1%. This worked perfectly. I have a tube on hand all the time, and the condition never comes back.
Cathy
YES,YES,YES. Not only winter weather, dry heat, yard work–but also if you play a fretted instrument and have callouses. Have used Vicks (old glass jar), medicated lip balm, honey, and all work great.
For an emergency, a local musician–in the middle of a set–asked if anyone in the audience had some super glue!
Barbara
I’ve found that cracks can’t heal together with layers of dead skin. I use a thin Xacto knife blade to trim off dead layers of cracked skin. Once trimmed, I use cheap triple antibiotic cream, put a bandage over it and go to bed. It heals quickly. I have been doing this since 1975. Must have steady hands, and go slowly. I’m a cashier.
Dave
My wife and I use Iodine tincture (in alcohol), applying it liberally with a cotton bud, at night time. Generally, depending on the size of the split, it dries the cut out overnight very well, just the sting of the iodine to “handle” when applying it.
However, it may sometimes require follow-up treatments for a day or so. Same procedure if a cuticle needs to be pulled out. The iodine does a very good job. We found originally using other treatments, that keeping cuts moist often tends to prolong the healing time.
Kaye
I use Zims crack creme original liquid formula with the smallest size of 3M Nexcare waterproof bandage. I stick the bandage down on one side of the crack then drop the liquid crack creme onto the crack and pull the bandage over and stick it down onto my fingernail. Doing it that way keeps plenty of the liquid in place. It works overnight and in the morning the crack in the fingertip has disappeared. It does sting when I apply it but it really works every time.
Debra
At night I put peroxide on the cracks and then load up on Vaseline. The peroxide seems to seal them over night! Way better than Vaseline alone.
Nancy
I use Bag Balm and cover my finger with rubber finger tips. The cots keep breaking but the tips do not. You might need different sizes depending on which finger has the problem.
Susan
Chapstick! I put it on my cracks at night, cover with bandaid, in morning so much better and by second day am totally healed.
KelGuapo
New England, USA
Super Glue / Krazy Glue is the ONLY effective treatment. I’ve suffered from split thumb tips and fingertips every winter for nearly a decade. The pain is intense, so bad that I can’t even use the affected digit to swipe my phone screen, button a shirt, or type on a keyboard.
Lotions, cremes, ointments, etc…none of these things work quickly, and most just cause more searing pain. They’ll soften up the split, might even help it heal…but it takes days. Working Hands creme was ok, but only if used every single night…whether you have splits or not.
A drop or two of instant glue is a failsafe that takes the pain away within minutes and keeps it away for days. Long enough for the split to heal itself, in most cases. It’s the same active chemicals as found in liquid bandages (which is no surprise, it was originally invented for such purposes)…but costs a tenth of the price and is much longer lasting. It keeps the wound sealed and clean too.
Do yourself a favor…try it. There are thousands of people using instant glue for split fingertips, and we are not dropping like flies or becoming the zombie horde. Don’t listen to those who say “well i believe that it would not be good for you”, they have no idea what they are even saying.
You’ll thank yourself.
Joanne S
Florida
Someone may have already mentioned this – but the biggest issue I see when reading all of these symptoms is the lack of moisture in the body. When I lived in New England when the heating system came on, or even worse when we used a wood stove, and the air became VERY dry. That kind of environment sucks all of the moisture out of your body. I had cracked fingers too!! Once we went out and bought a whole house humidifier the dry fingers problem went away every time. You don’t realize what dry heat in the winter does to your body.
Ed
Illinois, USA
Many have mentioned SuperGlue, which was invented by Eastman Kodak as “body glue” during the Viet Nam. Medics would use it on the battle field in a spray form to stop bleeding of battlefield injuries so the wounded soldiers wouldn’t bleed out before they could get medical assistance – an ingenious idea.
Rankin
NC
Burt’s Bees Hand Salve works beautifully for preventing and treating cracked fingertips. Just a touch of it after handwashing is all it takes.
Drin
I’ve had success generously applying cherry chapstick into the crack before bed, then covering with crisscrossed bandaids overnight. Neosporin ointment with pain relief helps when mine are at their worst.
Liz
For finger splits I smear on plain old chap stick moisturizer (blue tube ) or the original ( black tube ), then cover with surgical tape for overnight. In the morning remove the tape, and put a dot of chap stick on the crack when you think of it. For sandpaper hands Neutragena hand cream on damp hands throughout the day especially after washing your hands. Dishwashing liquids are great for removing grease from dishes but it also removes oil from your hands. Gloves to do dishes are a must in the winter.
Liz
For finger splits I smear on plain old chap stick moisturizer (blue tube ) or the original ( black tube ), then cover with surgical tape for overnight. In the morning remove the tape and put a dot of chap stick on the crack when you think of it. For sandpaper hands Neutragena hand cream on damp hands throughout the day especially after washing your hands. Dishwashing liquids are great for removing grease from dishes but it also removes oil from your hands. Gloves to do dishes are a must in the winter.
Michelle
Coeur d'Alene ID
I read about ichthammol ointment on People’s Pharmacy. I am an RN and wash/disinfect my hands numerous times at work. I had to order it online from CVS, but finally got it and tried it on cracked places on my thumbs. It instantly takes the pain away! Kept using it and it actually healed the cracks on my thumbs!@
Patty
I use vitamin E oil to heal finger tip cracks at night, wearing a bandaid over the oil to keep it from getting on bedding or clothes. Using glue during the day really protects the crack, letting me get needed work done. Super glue can be removed with fingernail polish remover. The remover is breifly painful, but does a quick job so you can neatly clean up old glue, and start a fresh covering.
I find that a good quality Vitamin E oil (I use the Jason’s without the herbal additives) helps ANY skin problem, especially dry open wounds. I have used it to successfully heal a nasty burn without scarring, after I had reached over a hot coffee burner in a convenience store and burned a ring into the underside of my upper arm. I was the store manager and should have watched what I was doing, so no fault but my own.
For lips, I use Burt’s Bees original. I used to use mentholatum lip stuff, but Burt’s tastes so much better when it happens to get in the mouth. Craked lip edges or shredded from biting? Vitamin E oil, then Burt’s, and stop licking dry lips or trying to bite off any peeling skin. That just makes it worse. I use Burt’s year round, especially every time I put my CPAP on.
Helene
Utah
ChapStick (original, with moisturizer), is a quick fix, particularly when you can’t or don’t want to use the messier remedies (e.g., Vaseline). I apply the ChapStick LIBERALLY to the cracks. It protects the cracks and for that reason lessens the pain, yet allows me to use my hands without creating a mess. (I keep a tube with me to apply if needed when I’m out and about.) I swipe the ChapStick surface with a tissue periodically, to clean and freshen it.)
Jack
WI
Work in a restaurant and washing dishes and using degreaser I found that my hands were always cracked and painful. I then read about oil pulling, after a month of oil pulling I never had a cracked finger again ! It been 5+ years of no cracked fingers. I will keep oil pulling for that reason alone.
Tommy
Mont Belvieu, TX
I’m a big fan of Bag Balm. After my shower I apply a liberal amount on the split. Cover it with a fiber bandaid, usually apply two, and leave it on overnight and the next day. If needed I repeat the next night. Works for me.
Barry
West Virginia
I increase my intake of probiotics substantially in the winter once I first experience my finger tip skin cracking. This always works for me in as little as three days.
Kiki
TX: TEXAS
I have found that using “O’Keeffe’s Working Hands” religiously, twice a day, stops the problem completely. If I skip a “dose” though, I’ll sometimes get a split right beside the top of the nail. I use the cream year round, but only once a day in the summer, unless I have one of those days when I need to wash my hands dozens of times (cooking something fancy).
Robert
NC
I have had good success with a product called “Bag Balm” which is reportedly used by dairy farmers to help heal abraded cow udders. The only drawback is that this product is very greasy and will stain any fabric it comes into contact with. I use an absolute minimum amount on my cracked thumbs and in less than a week, the crack is closed and healed. This product is sold in many drug stores, hardware stores, plant nurseries and home improvement stores.
Darice
Victorville CA
Bag Balm works great for me. It works both to cure these painful cuts and also as a preventive measure. I just rub some into my hands and finger tips at night before be.
Lady
North Carolina
I had a very painful paper cut at the cuticle of my index finger. Nothing seemed to be helping it to heal. I cleaned it really well with some witch hazel which helps soreness and is an awesome astringent. I dried it with clean tissue and applied some Zinc ointment with Aloe and Vitamin E on it.
I put a bandage on to keep the ointment from ruining my clothes or anything I touch. The pain is gone and it is nearly healed. I hope this will help. I noticed that petroleum is prescribed for many types of irritations but I am allergic to this. It masked me peel lime an onion. Blessings to all of you and I pray that you find healing.
Terry
California
I was a chef for 35 years and would get painful splits on my fingers working with foods and hands always in soap and water. Then I discovered using masking tape, wrapping my finger tips up. The tape glue immediately soothed my painful fingertips. Also my fingertips would heal right away. I highly recommend
TCloth
SW Virginia
I find Burt’s Bees cuticle creme to help with my cracked fingers. I like the idea of using a cot or cut off glove in conjunction with the creme.
Rmg
Jersey
NuSkin or similar products works well on my cracked fingertips. If your hands are in a lot of water during the day, you may have to reapply it several times, but it protects and dulls the pain signals, keeps the cracks from widening, and keeps bacteria out. If you wash dishes daily, or have other wet activities, I’ve found that rubber gloves really work to keep fingertips from splitting. These rubber gloves are blue rubber with yellow long cuffs. Mine cost under $4 a pair at Lowes and they come in various sizes, which is a plus for my long fingers. And they enable you to handle dishes in the hottest water and soap, which used to guarantee lots of split fingers before I found these gloves. They have made dishwashing faster and easier than ever.
Barbara
Indianapolis
Once these pesky cuts develop, they keep breaking open again because you can’t stop using your hands and you keep re-injuring them. I initially taped my fingertips with bandaids (which helped), but if you need to type or do any kind of fine work, bandaids are too thick and clunky (even the special kind for fingertips).
Solution:
1. The outer edges of the cut are typically dead dry skin that won’t ever fuse back together again. I use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to thoroughly clean the cut and large fingernail clippers. Then I carefully use the clippers to snip off the dry outer edges of the cut. Sometimes all I can manage to remove is just a tiny tiny sliver, but it helps by effectively making the cut smaller, less deep and thus less likely to pull apart. I am not a medical person, but I believe this is called debridement of a wound — removing dead or unhealthy tissue to allow remaining tissue to heal better. (I am surprised that none of the doctors suggested this, as it is a pretty standard protocol for wound treatment).
2. During the day when actively using hands, I use a couple of wound control strips to bind the edges of the cut together, then cover with finger cots. At this point I don’t apply any kind of cream because the wound control strips won’t stick. I wear regular rubber gloves to protect my hands from exposure to dishwater or cleaning, etc. As long as I’m reasonably careful, I can continue to type and use my hands for most tasks without re-opening the cuts.
3. At night, I slather with Bag Balm or similar cream, cover with inexpensive gloves to keep sheets clean.
Harold
Capitan, NM
Simple Solution: THOROUGHLY wash your hands. USE HOT soapy water and SOAK your fingers for a long time. THOROUGHLY clean out the splits – use a soft nail brush or a cloth. Then apply your favorite salve ( I use Cera Ve) and keep fingers moist.
Debby T
Wisconsin
I stopped using foaming soap and liquid soap. Now in winter I only use bar soap.
David
Spartanburg, SC
I massage O’Keeffee’s Working Hands Hand Cream on my finger tips in the morning and evening and haven’t had cracked finger tips in several years. I work on a nursery growing plants so I’m outside rain, shine ,freezing cold and this STUFF works. Even rub it on the corners of my eyes!!!
Jim
North Carolina
For cracked/split finger tips(and other sites): Mixture of glycerin and rose water…yes, another remedy from grandmother…..
Laura J
San pablo
I have had this problem for years. I buy nitragerm lotion and mix in a tube of hydocortizone creme. Mix well.
Then at night, I get rubber gloves. Put heavy lotion on hands and put ur gloves on over nite, it really puts moisture back in your hands what a releif my fingers had cracks and it hurts bad, this helped me alot try it you have nothing to lose.
Tracey
WA state
“FINGER COTS!” For several years I’ve been experiencing splits on fingers and thumbs. My business is making custom jewelry, almost impossible with split fingers. My doctor recommended Aquaphore which does help, sometimes. Lately they are so bad I’ve been using Neosporin ointment or antibiotic ointment (I’ll try ANYTHING!) neither one really does any better than the other. What I want to share with everyone suffering these horrible, incredibly painful splits is “finger cots”. I ordered several boxes of them on line (either Target? or Walmart?) I put a lot of my goop of choice on the split and put the cot over the goop and unroll it down the finger. My splits are healing much faster with this method. They also stay on while I’m sleeping making my mornings much nicer. Just do an online search for “Grafco latex finger cots” and order them as fast as you can (as long as you have no latex allergies). I ordered 3 boxes of 144 and glad I did. Good Luck! ~ Tracey M.
Ralph
NY
Same Problem – working with wood and metal, or just about anything besides a computer causes finger pain. I bought a box of extra large Latex rubber gloves – (H.Frieght – has 3 thicknesses cheap and they work great) -I use the 9mil “black” & 7mil “blue” gloves in the shop. btw- Autozone also sells mechanics latex gloves. If I’m handling rough wood I will pull another pair of gloves over the latex. Eventually the latex gloves rip -usually index finger, thumb, or palm will rip out. Not a problem. Take a scissors and cut off the glove’s good fingers, pinky and ring finger are great. Then put a dab of ointment, bag balm, vicks, aquaphor, whatever in these finger tips and use them as finger cots. I’ve considered buying a smaller size glove to chop into finger cots but with 3-4 good fingers per glove, I doubt it will be an issue.
Tim
Windsor ont. Canada
A product call Faerhaven. Hand cream ,it has 4 natural ingredients. Coco butter, apricot kernel oil, shea butter and bee wax, mixed together making it a solid hand cream. You use as much or as little as you need.
Kenneth
Alabams
Like the rest of you, I’ve split skin on my right thum most of the time, I’ve tried a lot of different meds and creams, what worked for me best is Blue Star Ointment I buy at Wal-Mart.
I put it on at night and use a finger cot over that, if it is on your thum you will have to use a extra large thum cot, a finger cot will be to tight. this ointment is strong takes very little I use at night and useing a thum cot no worry about getting on anything. Use as directed on label.
Westgate
Scotland
Reading these comments have helped me a lot. I now have a wee idea about my problem. Just before xmas I fell in the bathroom at home and cracked a rib and was in agony with my back and arms. I was taking IBuprofen round the clock for over a month. This is when my finger ends started splitting and the cuts down my finger nails so painful as folk have said. I have never had this problem in my life and now at 70 years I don’t want it starting! One of the comments mentioned ibuprofen as a possible link so this may be my answer. I am going to start taking vitamin B complex and vitamin C today so watch this space…….
Jeremy
Ohio
Superglue works wonders for me, and while others say its probably not good to do so, I have bever experienced anything harmful as a result.
Sandy
KC, MO
I use Superglue, too. These cuts are so painful. I heard a doctor on tv recommend this, because the cut is not that big and it numbs the pain. This is not to be used on any large wound.
Rett
WV
Years ago my doctor ( believe it or not) advised me to try silica or horsetail supplement. It works! In fact, I need to go buy some tomorrow, as I have the nasty crack on my thumb, and it’s so difficult to do anything with that hand. The minute anything touches it… ouch
Courtney
Asheville, NC
Crazy painful. One crack woke me last night throbbing! A friend told me that when she gives up gluten in the winter, her fingers don’t crack. I found this unusual at the time, but she is a woman wise in natural remedies. I tried it the following winter and I had NO CRACKS! After Christmas I’m going to try it again, but it’s takes a few weeks to clear the gluten out of the body.
Brik
This could be Riboflavin (vit B2) deficiency or an imbalance of B vitamins. B-2 is needed for collagen production and def causes dry cracked skin. The one and only study I could find on the imbalance of B vitamins reported in the British Medical Journal of 1945, where one B, that is consumed at a higher level induces deficiency symptoms in the lower supplemented B. This was evident among B1, B2, B3, and B6.
I have been taking extra B-6 as the active more potent form pyridoxal 5 phosphate (P5P) and also have developed around the same time, very painful cracks in the skin on my fingers and fingertips that won’t heal after weeks – so uncomfortable and debilitating for such small wounds and frustrating they don’t heal!
I thought it might be undiagnosed diabetes which impairs wound healing, but my weight is not excessive and I have no other symptoms. I’m taking more B-2 now and it seems to be helping with healing. I don’t want to continue higher B 2 intake though as I have read some disturbing information that it gets photo-oxidized in the body.
Its brilliant fluorescent yellow color is related to its photo (light) reactivity. The light converts it into toxic molecules that can damage DNA on the skin surface and possibly in the retina of the eyes. This is only thought to be a problem when B-2 is at higher than normal physiological levels but they do not know what level is safe yet.
The reason I took P5P was that Alleve (naproxyn) and other NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, etc) have been found to block the conversion of B6- pyridoxine into its active form P5P. These anti-inflammatories can then induce functional B-6 deficiency unless P5P is taken.
Have stopped Alleve and plan on reducing all B-s to lowest maintenance level possible. Supplementation of so called water soluble vitamins is not as safe as we once thought.
David
South Dakota
I use clear finger nail polish or clear fingernail polish cover/nail protector. Does a far superior job to super glue. Develop the cracks every Winter. Nothing has worked better. It’s true that the sooner you start treatment the sooner it will heal. The Wet n’ Wild nail protector is only about a buck at Walmart and just as good as any of the more expensive polishes.
hurting
ky
I too suffer from cracked finger tips. You all are correct when you say that most people, including Doctors, have no idea how much pain radiates from your fingertips. I will try the vaseline and the finger cots, both sound pretty good to me. Incidentally, I have been told that my problem stems from Lupus, really! At 74!!! Guess it is possible. Any thoughts from you peeps?
David
Florida
I have used vasiline on cuts from the cold weather. Rub a lot over cut, and before going to bed, put a sock over it, so as not to get it wiped off during your sleep.
Dave
Phoenix, AZ
I was telling Eric above that people who don’t suffer from cracked fingertips can not comprehend how painful they can be. Just sitting and not touching anything… the pain can be so intense that it literally feels like something is eating the tips of my fingers. That is one of the reasons I believe that it is caused by a fungus/bacteria infection, and the other possibility is a vitamin deficiency… or both, meaning that the lack of some vitamin(s) is enough to allow the infection. No doctor has ever been able to explain to me what actually is causing my problem, and none can comprehend the pain involved. I’ve shown doctors the missing tip of my middle finger on my right hand (the nail starts curving downwards at a 45/55 degree angle) where the entire tip is gone from the dozens of severe “cracks”, and they have nothing useful to say. I’ve tried everything from lotions like Corn Huskers, to pure vitamin E and Bag Balm, and combinations of all without much luck… although most give some degree of temporary relief. What I’ve found that works best is Super Glue. I apply it liberally on the crack(s), and after the initial burn… the pain decreases and the healing immediately begins. Within a couple of days the crack is noticeably smaller and will be gone in a few more days. Why this works… I’m not sure, but I think the chemicals in the glue kill whatever is eating my fingers, and seals the wound long enough for the healing to begin. On a few occasions I’ve had to apply the glue a second time within a day or two, but that was for the exceptional cases. I’m 67 years old, and have had this problem for 20 to 30 years, and although it happens more often in the Winter… it does happen in the Summer too. I hope this helps someone who suffers from this pain in the tips. PS I’m typing this with my little fingers and ring fingers.
Frank
Tampa, FL
Same problem in weather below 50-55F (that is COLD by FL standards!). Cuts are very painful and prevent you from handling small objects, tying your shoes, etc. Best solution so far has been the runny type of Crazy Glue. Gel type does no penetrate into the cut and will not hold skin edges together. Never leave home without it during my snowbird migration N.
Steve
San Francisco
The fungus tip saved the day for me. The finger cuts that wouldn’t go away started healing like regular cuts.
The strategy that has worked for me is to put a commercial nail anti-fungal product on the splits, then follow with liquid bandage. I’ve been doing this for 2 or 3 days and they’re almost all healed.
Many thanks and much gratitude to whoever posted the word ‘fungal’. I’ve been putting up with this for years.
Mary
I use super glu gel since it doesn’t run around the nail. This allows the skin time to heal while stopping the pain.
Sometimes this isn’t enough or the location of the crack is thru a joint, and in those cases I apply a thin coat of tincture of benzoin on the skin where a butterfly bandage will hit. (Not in the crack – just where the bandage will stick to your skin.) Let it dry a few seconds, then apply the butterfly making sure the middle section is over the crack. This allows the bandage to stay stuck to the skin for 1-2 days so the crack can heal, which is much longer than the standard time these bandages stick these days. It’s too bad J&J stopped making butterflies, since those were the best. See https://theboatgalley.com/keeping-bandaids/ for info on benzoin. You have to order it online but it really saves you shelling out for 5+ butterfly bandages each day. This will stop the pain in a few hours and then you just need to give it time to heal.
Brian
Canada
Drink more water, it works for me…..my thumbs use to crack all season and drinking more water all day long solved it.
Moore Arshad
Connecticut, USA
I Had stubborn crack in my fingers. It healed 95%, here what I did.
1) Soak your hands with domeboro once per day, for 20 min, for 2 weeks, then moisturize with Antibiotic ointment
2) Wipe your hands & fingers as often with hydrogen proxide, then moisturize with Antibiotic ointment. You may feel sting, but it will heal 95% in 2 months
3) Eat eggplant regularly, it will heal from inside out
Try it , it will work. I have visited Dermatologist several times, but he couldn’t cure the crack in my fingers
Holly
NYC
Cold sore (canker sore) cream is what clears them up for me.
Phil
Litchfield, il
Everything i’ve read in the postings seems just like what i have. I feel it is something in my body chemistry rather than just a skin problem. Anyhow it comes and goes and at the present time, it is the tips of my first two fingers on my left hand. I have tried everything.
Last week it was hurting so bad, I couldn’t hardly go to sleep. I have been using the “liquid skin” w ith pretty good results. This past monday Dec 7, 2015 my wife said try this. Up in the cabinet she had a half tube of Okeeff’S CREAM for working hands. My fingertips were so sore and the finger print pattern was gone. In a couple of days they were pain free and they seem to be healing. I put a very small dab on three or four times a day and rub it. I hope it works for me and anyone eles who is reading this. Phil in Illinois
Phil
Litchfield, il
Try okeeff’s cream.
Bonnie
Omg it hurts like crazy I started using it as well hoping it helps us all
Stephen
I have two words to say: finger cots. Buy them at your local pharmacy or via an online source like ebay. They are like latex gloves but are just for your fingers. You can wear one, two, or as many as you need, depending on how many fingers are affected. They are inexpensive, comfortable, not too ridiculous looking, and durable for a day or two. You can do all your normal activities while wearing them. They seal in your skin’s natural moisture, which emanates from inside your body. This is infinitely more effective than rubbing creams and ointments on your skin, which quickly wear or wash away. They return the micro-environment of your fingertips to the humid summertime. After about 12 hours you’ll notice that the pain is less and after 24 hours that the pain is gone. Then over the ensuing days the cracks quickly heal. Do what I say and your horrible problem, which I once knew every winter as a farmer, is over! Finito!
Brittany
Louisiana
I’m 27 years old and my hands have looked at LEAST 20 years older than my age, for as long as I can remember. They are dry, wrinkled, and 90% of the time, painful. I lived in PA until a few months ago when I came to Louisiana, and here all my life I thought it was the cold, dry weather that caused my skin on my fingers to split open, but now that I am in the exact opposite climate, and I have a total of 8 splits on my fingertips, I’m going to blame this one on genetics. hah. I’m a waitress, an artist, and do different types of woodwork, I can’t afford to have my fingers like this! So recently I’ve been doing a lot of research on natural healing and have been making my own organic skin care products (no alcohol in them!). I came up with a good combination for these splits, and all of the ingredients can be found at walmart. – takes 5 min to make.
Ingredients (and a few properties they have)
– Vitamin E Oil – Helps sooth, hydrate, and balance skin, also helps reduce scarring and speeds healing
– Castor Oil – Reduces scars and cracks/promotes the production of elastin and collage
– 100% Aloe Vera Gel (the clear one) – it’s full of antioxidants that help your skin to be more firm and hold moisture better.
– Tea Tree Essential Oil – because this is basically neck and neck with lavender as being one of the most useful and amazing oils.
Well, the ratio of Aloe : Vitamin E : Castor = 2:1:1 and dilution for essential oils for adults is 10-12 drops per 1 oz. carrier. I use 1 oz. aloe, 1 Tbsp each of Vitamin E and Castor = 2 oz. =20-24 drops Tea Tree, put in a glass measuring cup in a pot of boiling water until the aloe melts and they begin to blend. It only takes about 2 minutes. Remove from water, let cool 5 min and what you do from here is completely up to you. I pour about 1/2 oz. ea into latex gloves, tape them around my wrists and carry about my business (or do it right before bed). you can feel the splits starting to heal almost immediately after application (and by heal, I mean, it burns)
Hey I hope this helps! It definitely helps me
Edward
Chicago, IL
I am interested in the finger cots. Having tried everything under the sun — including some of the proposed ointments and various other solutions — I bet they will work well by sealing the area and the moisture.
Someone asked if perhaps AGE had something to do with this affliction. I don’t know, but it is a very TIRESOME menace to tolerate and very painful.
One consolation is that so many people seem afflicted by it. Good luck, one and all !
Craig
I have seen skin cracks & splits on my fingers, hands & knuckles a lot, from all the CELLULOSE additives that are in all drugs, supplements & even foods now, as I am seeing I can not eat foods that I use to eat 4 months ago. I have learned too that these cellulose materials are bad for thyroid health, which may now make sense to the problem I have with skin cracking & splitting on my hands. ALSO any RED TEAS are now toxic for me to drink, once my hands cleared up, I had some and BINGO the skin started cracking again. Takes forever to heal when you do not know what else causes this problem no matter how much water & vitamin C you take. If someone else knows more about this cracked & split skin condition, do not keep it top secret. ORGANIC FOODS are not always ORGANIC & ALL NATURAL.
Sandy
Newark DE
Soooo painful!! I want to shout this from my roof top to end everyone’s misery I suffered (past tense) from the painful cracks on my fingertips! It is from washing your hands with Antibacterial Soap!!!! Throw it out!!!! I never use soap in restroom dispensers anymore knowing most certainly they are filled with ABS. I rinse my hands and wash at home. I never use anything that says antibacterial anymore. I have not had a crack since. 100% relief. If you have cracks now and use antibacterial soap, go wash your hands with regular soap. Use a nail brush to make sure you get it out from under you fingernails, and rinse well and heal. Take some vitamin C which greatly increases to healing process. And smile.
Kathy
Spokane WA
I have had this problem for many years. A few years ago, I discovered that if I use a brush on super glue, it stops the pain and healing takes place underneath. It’s best to apply several coats of glue, allowing drying in between each coat. A hard plastic cap forms over the cut, which usually lasts about 36 hours. I worked in the operating room and this really helped. Loc Tire and Scotch brand brush on super glue work best.
Eric
Qld, Australia
Omg haha, I know exactly how you feel I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy , as soon as one starts to heal I’ll get another 2 cracks, they start out small then end up 1cm long wich makes the healing process much longer, I’m now contemplating cutting off both hands I can’t bare this anymore!!!
Dave
Phoenix, AZ
I hear you Eric… the pain was so bad on one finger (middle, right hand, which 90% of the severe cracks appear on) that I had to pull off the freeway and sit on my hand. It seems that pressure causes the pain to recede the quickest. That finger is visible shorter, and the nail bends downward at a 45 degree angle from the missing tip of the finger. I’m 67 and have had this problem for at least 20 years, if not 30, and have come to believe that the cracks are caused by two things. Although I’ve given up asking doctors for the root cause (they don’t know what I’m talking about, and don’t have a clue as to the extreme pain we suffer) I believe either a vitamin deficiency, or a fungus/ bacteria infection, or a combination of both are the culprits for what we suffer. I’ve also found that just plain old Super Glue works the best for healing them… although the initial burn gets your attention, you’ll notice by the next day that the pain has resided, and that the crack/cut is starting to heal. Apply it a second time the next day, and that crack should not be significant any longer. I’ve tried to explain how bad this hurts to friends and co-workers in the framing business, and they look at you like you left your gonads at the last job site… so, I don’t complain anymore. I feel for all of you who suffer this problem, and hope the Super Glue advice helps.
MARCIE
California
Help!! Will try some of these suggestions….thank you
Victor
Edmond, OK
I use Carmex on my finger tips several times per day and thin rubber gloves (Walmart)when I can. I am retired and have a woodworking hobby shop. I blamed my cracked finger tips on sanding wood projects.
Emma
Alberta
This is truly amazing the number of folks who suffer from this chronic skin breakdown. I like that zinc supplementation carried some weight, I will look into that. I suffer the same affliction on my right hand; thumb, index and middle finger! Three at one time is like torture, it is so debilitating. Being right handed really brings it home! Play the piano…ouch!
What I have used is the old Bag Balm, in fact carry a small green can in my handbag. During the day, its an inconvenient with the grease but it relieves the dryness/tenderness. I have resorted to taping my fingers, tried the Band Aid route, went through a whole box in a few short days! I try to make it a habit of wearing rubber gloves but fall short of 100% mark! It’s almost comical how challenging this is! Stay calm and carry on …I guess!
Luann
pennsylvania
Try zinc oxide for cracked fingers!
Joe
RI
Well after reading a lot of these remedies for cracked finger tips, I went with the Super Glue. What a difference! I wouldn’t even be able to type this if it wasn’t for the Glue. I used the Gel Super Glue from walmart for about 3 dollars. Much much better and thanks for the tip!
Eamonn N
Get ‘HEMP HAND PROTECTOR’…Ive tried everything, my finger tips were almost raw and had exremely sore cuts…picking up anything or even touching anything was so painful…This product worked, what a relief …hope this help’s someone… p.s. The Chemist was able to give me a sample first, so you might enquire about that..
Shelia
I can’t believe I was not the only one with problem. This just started this year! I was wondering why all of a sudden. I thought it might be an age thing. I am 68. I wrote down just about all of the suggestions except the one about the Super Glue. I am not sure I want to try that for some reason. Right now all I have in the house is Vicks vapor rub and vaseline and will try those 2 things until I can get out and get the lip balm and maybe something else. Thank you all so much.
Melonie
UK
Just wanted to highly recommend BACTROBAN antibiotic ointment from doctors, I have been struggling for weeks now with sore deep cracks on thumbs near my nails, unbelievably sore:-( I have applied the ointment two times and already they are healing and are not sore:-)) so highly recommend.
kbd
virginia
I had this problem for years, working outside in the cold, what works great is balmex, use it all the time, but will heal them up quick, rub it in the cracks, you will notice a big difference thr next day
HONDO
New Orleans, LA
I used to have problems with cracked fingertips only during the cold months, but as I get older, this became all year round painful issue. I tried almost every cream and moisturizer for my cracked fingertips, but they provided little help. I started using Finger Care and Liquid Skin with some good results, but the cracks kept coming back. I experimented with SUPER GLUE (original formula) and it works great and provides instant pain relief. Use Super Glue as soon as you notice or feel the crack coming back, but continue using moisturizers as often as possible. Don’t buy the expensive Super Glue, look for the original product that comes in small tubes. Good luck, and I hope this help those suffering with this painful condition.
Lisa S.
United States
I have this same problem as I speak. I haven’t tried the Vicks Vapor rub yet. However, I have found that using original chapstick not only relieves the pain, but the chapstick also heals it in 2-3 days. I apply it everytime the pain starts, after I wash my hands, and after my shower right before I got to bed. I just rub the chapstick up and down every side of each finger and even the creases and palm. And pay only. 97 for treatment & pain relief.
Kathleen
Richmond, VA
Many years ago, I too had problems with cracked skin around my fingernails. So painful, that I had to wear rubber gloves for every chore. My cure was high doses of ZINC. I even found that Desitin diaper cream helped because it contained zinc. I was cured in a couple of weeks. I passed this tip on to my sister & to a carpenter friend ( who really suffered in the Winter months). We ALL were cured. In recent years, I have learned that even if we eat well, much of our soil suffers from mineral depletion & sometimes supplementation is necessary.
Louise
Ontario
I suffer very badly from this same problem and coping with the winter months due to my thumbs and finger tips splitting constantly. I have a big one already and its extremely painful. Some times during the cold months its common to have up to six splits on my fingers and thumbs and its very difficult because they are very painful. I have tried vaseline, the best of creams on the market, it helps but they split open over and over again all winter long.
Terrible! Someone was recently telling me that there is a contractors cream at Home Depot sells to people who work outside in the cold winter months for their hands so I am going to get it and try it. No harm to try. I have tried everything there is so far.
wishing you all good luck this winter!!
Donna
California
I thought I was alone with this painful crack. This year it started and yes very painful I can’t hold on to thing and when you bump your finger, agony. I have tried soaking in peroxide, ebson salt, but nothing helped but time. I had recently had chemo and I thought it was a side effect. It always seems to start on the same hand, thumb but now thumb on left hand has it. I have read some suggestions I am going to try. Thank you
Ellen
Halifax, West Yorkshire
I have had cracked thumbs, and fingers bleeding painful mainly when its bad weather, I have tried compeed plasters they seem to work, but just for a while, I do keep my fingers in rubber gloves especially while cleaning or washing up, painful fingers have been very annoying, thank you all for some tips.
Wish you all luck
HONDO
I tried this cream – I think it is called Tough Hands and it comes in a a round green container – but it didn’t work for me. This is the case if you do a lot of manual work, the fingers don’t heal fast enough and the cracks keep coming back. Try Super Glue; open the crack and apply a drop of glue and gently close the crack. Getting the crack closed will allow your body to heal the wound, but keep using the hand creams to get long term help. Also, keep Super Glue handy.
Good luck.
Carol
United States
I have had a problem with my finger tips drying, peeling, cracking and bleeding for over 2 years. It is very painful not to mention embarrassing. I have used all kinds of soaps and lotions and have just recently found something that is working. I started soaking my hands in a mixture of part hydrogen peroxide and water for at least a minute. Pat most of the moisture off your hands, immediately apply petroleum jelly.
I am currently doing this twice a day. I use rubber gloves to clean or wash dishes to prevent my skin coming in contact with any chemicals. I use Cetaphil intensive moisturizing cream as needed and only wash my hands if necessary in lukewarm water. I have also started using bath soap that has glycerin and shea butter in it and it has helped a lot. My fingers are not bleeding and cracking and they are not tender. It is a pain to do this constantly, but I prefer it to the pain and unsightly appearance of my hands.
Lola
Virginia
Cocoa butter wafers. It was a miracle. No more pain, fast and very natural and I enjoy the smell of chocolate.
They are white little discs of cocoa fat. They are the only natural remedy that has worked. Forget the artificial stuff and so called natural stuff like petroleum,… Get yourself some organic cocoa butter wafers people, they saved me from weeks of agony…
I use them for my long hair. That’s why I had them in my fridge in the first place. Good luck
Carol
United States
I have had a problem with my finger tips drying, peeling, cracking and bleeding for over 2 years. It is very painful not to mention painful. I have used all kinds of soaps and lotions and have just recently found something that is working. I started soaking my hands in a mixture of part hydrogen peroxide and water for at least a minute. Pat most of the moisture off your hands, immediately apply petroleum jelly. I am currently doing this twice a day. I use rubber gloves to clean or wash dishes to prevent my skin coming in contact with any chemicals. I use Cetaphil intensive moisturizing cream as needed and only wash my hands if necessary in lukewarm water. I have also started using bath soap that has glycerin and shea butter in it and it has helped a lot. My fingers are not bleeding and cracking and they are not tender. It is a pain to do this constantly, but I prefer it to the pain and unsightly appearance of my hands.
ann
PA
I have a solution. I suffer with cracked split bleeding fibers and thumbs every year when weather gets cooler. 20 years ago I started taking centrum brand vitamins and I noticed that the splits and cracks reduced significantly. After a while it became apparent that there is something in the centrum that works on this problem inside out. I still get a little cracking but if I double up on the centrum – take two a day for a week it’s amazing how it starts to heal and clear up. Sometimes I can go a few weeks without any splits. Do yourself a favor and try the centrum. I have over the years tried another multi vitamin. And it doesn’t work. Wish I could isolate what is in centrum that does the trick. My daughter also has the same problem and now uses centrum onlyn in winter with great success.
Michelle
Ontario Canada
My husband has terrible sore cracked hands. Ann you mentioned taking centrum multivitamin. Which one? We will try anything at this point and winter just started this week. He works outside fixing snow equipment and will not wear gloves. Help
The People's Pharmacy
Some people have reported that additional vitamin D, especially in the winter, along with a source of omega-3 fats such as flaxseed, borage or fish oil can help. Protecting the hands with a really strong moisturizer is also important.
phil p
just tried the superglue remedy, it worked a treat. brilliant.
dme100
I get cracks from being outside in the cold NH winters. Just when one seems to be just about healed, it cracked open again. I now apply Gel Super Glue with a tooth pick and it works great! Sounds strange, but Super Glue was used by the military in Vietnam for wounds, especially near the eye where it was difficult to stitch.
Cellochik
Regarding latex gloves and finger splits, please be very careful with this if you have any history of latex allergy. Latex proteins that create latex allergy are water soluble, so close contact with the moisture rich fissures in the fingertips could create a latex allergy in those who are susceptible. Latex allergy can become life threatening and creates major problems when accessing health or dental care where latex is widely used.
Nitrile gloves are a bit more expensive but safer alternative. Vinyl gloves also a choice but may not be as durable. Sign me one who is latex allergy from wearing latex gloves!
JenJJ
Pamela,
I feel for you – I well know that dread of having to wash your hands because you know in advance that it’s really going to hurt!
Would your employers allow you to wear latex gloves at work? (ie The sort of gloves that nurses put on before they draw blood.) When my hands are particularly painful in the mornings I wear these around the house. I wash my hands a LOT, too and I wash my hands with the gloves on, which gives me a bit of protection and stopes them hurting quite so much.
You can buy multipacks of them in drug stores and in some supermarkets at a fairly reasonable price. If you’re allergic to latex, there are latex-free versions, too.
Apart from the wonderful Working Hands cream suggested by earlier posters, the other thing that I find makes a big difference is the soap I use. I find that as soon as the cold weather arrives, certain soaps adversely affect my hands much more than others. It happens with both liquid and bar soap and not only with the cheaper brands. Even some of the more expensive soaps leave my hands raw.
Last year, I bought a number of bars of Laura Ashley soap in Ross (a discount store like TJ Maxx). They were huge – bath bars, really – but I cut them into smaller bars and used them as hand soap. They really helped. I have yet to work out what the magic ingredient that makes the difference is, but the Laura Ashley soaps I bought do contain shea butter, which an earlier poster mentioned, so maybe that’s it?
pamela p.
I have this trouble every year my fingers hurt. I can’t do dishes any thing my fingers hurt so bad. I am a maid at an inn. I work outside rooms my hands are in and out of water I have used everything nothing helps just started this when I turn 50, help help.
People’s Pharmacy response: Protecting your hands from water with disposable gloves (latex or non-latex) should make a difference, given your work. It is an extra expense, but being able to use your hands without pain would be worth it.
Rich N
Have suffered for several years with cracked fingertips and as a passenger train conductor I have to use my hands a lot. I treat the cracks with antibiotic ointment, cut the tips off some cheap rubber gloves and tape them to the tips of my fingers. Heals up quick and I can still wear gloves and work with some level of dexterity. I intend to begin the night time treatment with the gloves as prevention and try some better hand cream daily.
ab
Use Chap Stick!!!!!! it works on finger cracks. (not only for chapped lips). Wash the cuts with soap and water…..dry them good……trim off excess dead skin, then pack the Chap Stick cream into the cuts. Instantly it will feel better and heal quickly!!!!! Do it till they heal.
ep
I, too, had awful problems with my finger tips cracking open in winter. Then my niece, the nurse, told me to put a little Vaseline on the tips at bedtime, and wear gloves to bed. All winter, I put on an old pair of nylon dress gloves I used to wear years ago. Sure works for me!
J J
I posted this in the honey/sugar and wounds article comments, but realized it might be most helpful here:
I have a routine of keeping my hands covered, using rubber gloves and using a pumice stone on the problem areas. But I never found anything to KEEP the trouble spots healed. They would seem to heal but come back with the least amount of exposure.
My method with the honey = I used a pumice stone and clippers as usual to soften and remove thickened skin around the wound (very gently and carefully, obviously). Then I applied a drop of honey and made sure it was IN the wound. I covered the entire thumb with athletic tape, pinching the tape at the wound to keep it from sticking in that area. I did this every night at bedtime for five nights. It has been about a month now, and the original wound has not come back. I have continued using the pumice stone each day as the skin still gets hard.
The problem area remains healed and pain-free. Yay!! Honey works for me.
Crystal
Wow interesting, I too suffer from one single split on the right corner edge of my right thumb! It never heals, its painful and when its not painful the split is still there, just hard and thick skin surrounding it, then soon it starts all over again being painful, etc. Its hard to not put hands in water, as I am a potter! and its hard to always remember to put on gloves. My hands are always lubricated but this does not seem to help with eradicating this annoying re-occurring split !!!!!!!!!!! Come on Dermatologists help us out with something that is a sure fire solution !!!
JenJJ
I read this page a few weeks ago, because I, too, suffer from cracked fingertips in the winter. I was in such pain that I did an internet search to try to find help and arrived here. And I just HAD to come back, to post my heartfelt thanks to JJD, jk and Susie, for their recommendation of “Working Hands” cream!
I’d never heard of it before, but since three people here had recommended it, I dashed out and bought some. (Of course, I had no idea what the product looked like! So for anyone else who’s never heard of it, it comes in a small, bright green shallow, round pot. :-)) Anyway, it worked brilliantly and I was so grateful for the help.
Many thanks, too, to everyone else who has posted to this thread. I’m sure that I’ll also try several of the other suggestions as well, because for me, cracked fingertips are a regular problem, so I’ve made myself a file containing ALL the ideas and products mentioned!
lou g
Reference my comments above about using New Skin liquid bandage. I decided to buy some Udder Cream as my fingertips were still taking a long time to heal with the skin bandage. I used it once a day and it seemed to help, so decided to use it more regularly. It really worked, to my surprise. I’m still using it but I don’t need to apply it as often as I did. My wife uses it on hands and feet and just loves it. Great stuff!
lou g
Reference my comment above. For whatever reason, this year my cracks are worse even though I’m used moisturizing creams. I’m still applying New Skin liquid bandage, but it takes a few more days more to heal.
Sandy
My solution during the winter months has been to put a dab of HONEY on the crack and cover it with a band aid before going to bed. I usually only have to do this for two nights and the cracks heal up.
SL
In my experience, treating your fingertips EVERY NIGHT before you go to sleep is key, whatever you use. For me, lip balm keeps my fingertips crack-free.
Susie
Have had this problems in the summer and winter. Started using Working Hands last year and after a few weeks my hands were healed and had only 2 cracked fingertips. My fingers used to look like a road map with dry, cracked skin and now that problem is also gone.
bodacious
Reduce your intake of grapefruit, lemon, or other acidic foods. I have also found that Udder Cream is terrific in combating this problem. And it is not greasy like Vaseline so gloves aren’t necessary and it doesn’t stain.
LA
The produce guy at the health food store recommended plain Glycerin from most pharmacies. Works great! I apply it to my hands before sleeping and on my feet before putting on socks.
Dan M
I’ve determined my cracked fingertips are caused by the skin becoming thick and inflexible at the edges of the nails. Starting at age 60, my mother and now myself, have tried all kinds of lotions with minimum affect. I now get 100% cure by removing the thick skin with a diamond file about twice a week. I also soften the skin with a nightly application of The Boots Co. Shea Butter Extract from Target.
Lou G
Anne; yes. See my comment above.
T.D
I used to have the same problem for years , I ended up switching from dawn to joy dish soap for one, I think the dawn was so harsh. Also got a rx of Lac Hydrin from dr and don’t have the issue anymore. Actually I don’t even have to use the lotion now.
Laurie G.
Vaseline helps hurting fingers, but what I’ve found works even better is Preparation H ointment. It’s important to use the brand name product. Generics don’t seem to close the cuts and sores as well.
KLM
Will these treatments work for cracks in heel?
Fred
Hi,
My solution during the winter months has been to let my thumb and forefinger nails grow a little longer. This protects the area that tends to split. Also, I wear gloves when working outside.
May
I’ve tried many different things to heal cracked finger tips in the winter, the best results I get is from Desitin Diaper Rash Cream. I rub it on very good before I go to bed, it can be a little messy. Desitin is a healer and provides a moisture barrier.
jk
I also suffered this problem for years. Once I discovered O’Keeffe’s Working Hands, which was created by a pharmacist, I don’t have a problem anymore. I use it every night before bed. If I start to get a crack at the nail corner I use it several times per day for a couple of days and then it’s gone. Working Hands is the only thing that really works for me.
Gerry Anne M.
I understand that a product I knew about years and years ago (I’m 81) is still on the market–called New Skin. Would this help the cracked skin?
JK
I had the same problem several winters ago. I tried Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula hand cream (fragrance free).I used it on my hands and cuticles before going to bed at night, and it helped the skin and cracks to heal. Many pharmacies carry it.
Lmhuebel
I have had the problem of splitting fingertips…all of them…year round for over 10 years. My Dermatologist prescribed a couple of different prescriptions, but Atopiclair works great! Just a pea-size amount massaged all around the fingertips 2-3 times daily. I buy a 100 GM tube & it lasts ‘forever’. Any extra is good for the cuticles & hands.
PP
Has anyone tried corn husker’s lotion?
Lou G
I’ve had this problems for years, and yes, it can get every painful. Although Winter is worse, I can get it at any time I believe, as I also have psoriasis. I found New Skin liquid bandage works very well and in usually two days it’s healed.
Roberta
I, too, have problems with the skin on my fingers splitting. I have been using shea butter during the day and before going to bed at night. It has worked wonders. If I do get a split, it heals within a day or two. The moisturizing lotion put out by the company also helps my skin, especially when the humidity is low.
DH
My Dad & I have always had this problem. He taught me to carry a Chapstick in my pocket. When a split begins, I just dab on the Chapstick & instantly there is no more pain. It seems the pain is caused by air coming in contact with the underlying skin down in the crack. So, fill the crack with Chapstick & you’re done! Obviously this isn’t good if you constantly have your hands in water, but it has always worked for me.
Helen
A TV doctor has talked about coconut oil lately. It is a great skin softener, so I think it might help cracked hands. It’s kinda messy to use, but it does soak in after a few minutes. If you don’t mind smelling like a macaroon it’s worth a try. Available at health food stores.
JL
I haven’t had this particular problem, but has anyone tried A & D Diaper Rash Cream with zinc and aloe? –In a blue and white tube. It’s made by MSD Consumer Care in Memphis, a division of Merck. It’s a little messy, but the zinc has healing qualities. My hands used to crack and peel from allergies and this really helped.
RC1956
Washing my hands with goat’s milk soap, or a pure soap with calendula and chamomile, healed my hands from an open sore to cracks like cat’s scratches from the knuckles all the way to my wrists. Then I applied a salve to my hands and wore cotton gloves all night.
JJD
I suffered with this problems for years until I discovered O’Keeffes Working Hands at my hardware store. It was like a miracle cure. With 24 hrs the pain was gone. Within 2 weeks all the cracks were healed.
Lsw
Bach’s Rescue Cream with a bandaid overnight, takes a couple days but always works. For severe cases, keep it up during the day. Takes the pain away usually in one night.
DC
For years I worked in construction and would have my most used fingers and thumbs crack and split at the ends near the corners of the nails. Much of my work with my hands was very difficult to do with protective gloves. To bring healing and to provide protection to sore and cracked fingers, I used plain yellow masking tape. I wrapped the ends of my fingers completely and treated the cracked areas beforehand with Chap Stick. It worked great and provided protection to the sore areas like gloves but gave me more freedom than gloves. I would also wear the tape and treat the fingers at night before bed to aid in healing.
lkm
Solid lanolin works wonders for cracked, bleeding hands. My youngest son’s hands would bleed and turn bright red when he was little, but would almost be healed after one application of lanolin. My knuckles will crack and bleed in the winter as well, but heal quickly with the use of a solid form of lanolin. It’s really amazing. A bit sticky, but amazing!!!! My husband also uses it for chapped lips.
Jo
Burt’s Bees Res-Q Ointment works for me on those painful nail corners. It has lots of anti-fungal herbs and the waxes in it form a good protective film.
V.
I have this problem in the winter, too. I find that temporarily using Cetaphil cleanser, (or a generic equivalent), instead of conventional liquid handsoap provides relief, and allows my skin to heal.
Karen
The slight thickening of cuticles that precedes a crack is a signal to double the amount of fish oil I’m taking. Once I do that, I don’t get cracks. Happens every year. I’ll cut back again when the weather warms up, and I’ll be ok.
It’s not clear to me why we treat dry skin as a problem to be solved with external solutions, when it’s so often a marker of dietary status.
If my fingertips can’t keep up with the stresses placed on them, what’s happening to the more important parts of my body? (I get it–my heart and other innards are grabbing the important nutrients, and leaving my fingertips to fend for themselves.)
Still–cracked fingertips are a marker than I need more of something. In today’s crazed fat-fearful food plans, many people are deficient in essential fats.
Cherry
Buy a tin of Bag Balm, it’s perfect for dry cracked winter skin. I use it every other day during winter months and have not suffered split fingertips.
JD
I used to have a similar problem with the skin on my knuckles. It occurs to me that I haven’t had this problem in years–I’m 82–since I began taking L-Lysine(1000 mg/2X daily for five days)for cold sores. [It’s worth a try.]
lsl
I have had this going on with my right thumb for many years. I never had any luck with creams, lotions, Vaseline or Vicks so for some reason I decided to try my son’s athlete’s foot cream last year. It cured it within days! My thumb started splitting two days ago and again I used the fungal cream. I’m on my third day and it is almost gone! I have to wonder if it is a recurring infection that never really goes away, just like athlete’s foot.