split fingertips

**Susan Mac** · 10-07-2007 11:08

my skin is extremely dry head to toe. It hurts during winter and is scaly and would probably crack if i didn't look aftert it.

But at the moment my fingertips have all split above my fingernail and they hurt!

Does anyone else suffer this? what can i do?

This winter is the worst they have ever been.

**Chickadee** · 10-07-2007 11:16

I used to get this occassionally if I was working outside lots in winter. Lots of good lanolin based moisturiser and wear gloves. If they are hurting badly then it can be helpful to rub a topical antibiotic ointment in to the cracks. I used to buy this from chemists in Canada, I'm not sure if it's available in Australia.

**MandyPanda** · 10-07-2007 11:18

Hi Susan,

Yes i do suffer this and all i can suggest is keeping them well hydrated with a hand moisturizer and using a protective strengthening polish.. i use revitanail, it will set you back around $30 (you could probably get it cheaper at some places) but it does a very good job.
otherwise just make sure they are trimmed and file any rough edges especially around the corner of your nails.

**Chub Chub** · 10-07-2007 11:26

I recommend good ole Lucas Pawpaw ointment....lather up just before bed

**pookiesossige** · 10-07-2007 11:58

Ouchie! Yep, I have 3 fingertips that have split and I must say that it makes typing a little hard!! I also have cracks between my fingers that I am also treating.

I keep my hands moist during the day with a GOOD cream- not a cheap lotion. They can be even more drying.
I use gloves now whenever washing up and try to minimise the need to wash hands or have the cream washed off.

During the night I apply lanolin to my fingertips and rub it in for quite a while. I also apply a QV cream (available from chemists). Night time hydration seems to be really important.

It will get better soon

**Susan Mac** · 10-07-2007 13:55

any suggestions to a good moisturiser?
body shop hemp butter seems to work best on my skin, and vaseline intensive is the next best. Anything else and an hour later my skin is thirsty again.
but hand creams - i must admit I've been good to my feet and body but not my hands.
Painful skin has been a lifelong drama for me (literally - mum said my skin cracked during my fist winter) but my fingers have never been this sore!

**Chickadee** · 10-07-2007 14:02

Ok, you're going to laugh.. this is something I buy in Canada and it really does work. I'm sure you could find something similar in a good garden supply place.
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...,42551&p=10255

**FunkyMonkey** · 10-07-2007 14:09

Mum used Rawleighs Ointment on us, I'm not sure where you get it now but a family used to sell it out of their house near to wear we lived.
I use Palmer cocoa butter and body shop hemp cream now.
I recon you'd have better luck at a vet or livestock supply store for the "bag Balm" lol.