Split fingertips in cold weather?
 

For a few years now I suffer from this around this time of year,
it seems seasonal and takes the form of either tiny paper cuts at the rounded 'finger print' area and/or
splits in the skin alongside the white of the nail,

anyone have any tips on healing them quickly

(don't think washing prompts it) as much as handling things after the rain clothes/gates/door handles if that makes sense

washing doesnt help as cleaning your hands strips the natural oils

you have to use some kind of moisturizor/ balm in the winter

I used to have this problem when I worked as a driver in vending. The cardboard boxes dried my hands out, big time.

Try using hand cream with lanolin. At night, lather it on while you aren't doing anything with your hands.

Bag Balm also works wonders. Yes, it's for cow udders but it is awesome!!!!

The idea is to not let your hands become dried out. If you use hand sanitizer that can dry the hands as well.

I used New-Skin Liquid Bandage or something like it to seal the cut and then hand lotion.

I've been reading off tea tree oil although it can cause a rash apparently,

the normal moisturizers seem a preventative, but slow method of healing,

I do actually use a strong m/rizer anyway for excema as a teen, and cant quite see how taking a bath daily an year round and being immersed seems to do nothing, yet contact with outside moisture sets it off

cross post Glen,
how do those bandages work, I mean can you type for example or do you apply them for an hour and remove,

how?

I had a lot of trouble with cracked skin, especially around the nails. Dermatologist recommended "Prevex Protectant Cream" and I have not had a problem for years now. It is a barrier cream that should be applied before exposure to water, contaminants, etc. Also comes in a cortisone form but that would be for more serious skin issues.

Good luck!

ah thats interesting,

edited for obvious anomaly

Bag Balm or Emu Oil Lotion = great for dry skin.

The liquid "new skin" just dries and seals the cut. It feels like you have a small glob glue stuck on your finger. The tough part is to ignore it and not pick it off.

Oh I've been part 'superglue' for quite some time now, I don't mind ignoring that on my skin

Mebbe "Burt's Bees" has a product:
Burt's Bees - Natural Skin Care, Natural Beauty and Natural Personal Care Products

I sand the skin around the crack with an emery board. Or cut it off with a razor.

Tried that, didn't work for me.
I can protect it with a very sticky plaster for a day while it heals, but then I can' type on my blackberry as its my thumbs as often as not

What about those thin "finger rubber" thingies they sell at the drig store?

A heavy coating of Bag Balm, then put on a pair of latex gloves. Leave them on overnight.

You're hands will be dramatically better in the morning.

angela

I wouldn't put on the latex gloves over the balm... You want the skin to breath a little bit. We carry some gloves at the drugstore I work in that are just a very thin cotton. They are designed for this purpose and don't cost much. Go get a pair of them.....


I fight dry skin on the backs of my hands and knuckles every year. Its looking worse this year with all the climbing I have been doing. That chalk is a REALLY good drying agent...

What Sid sez, Bag Balm has menthol or camphor, something gives it that smell, under occlusion this could be bad Cotton gloves at night with vaseline, bag balm, something greasy. Get a few pairs, they are cheap and can get pretty funky.

Stay ahead of it, moisturize hands every time you wash them, and a few others, wear gloves.

I am told flaxseed oil capsules are helpful, take it daily.

I had similar problems when I lived in upstate NY. A trip to Singapore fixed it...

Vaseline at nite and cover with latex gloves. I use Krazy Glue when I get them. Takes at least two layers...dries...no pain...heals fine.