Cracking on the fingertips can make everyday activity extremely painful. For some people, fingertip cracks only occur in the dry winter months, but other suffer from this year round. Skin conditions, such as eczema, exposure to the elements and frequent hand-washing with harsh cleansing products can all contribute to fingertip cracks. Treating the cracks you already have is the first step, but everyday prevention of new cracks should keep your hands in tip-top shape.
Seal the fingertip cracks temporarily with a liquid bandage.
Apply first aid antibiotic ointment to the fingertip cracks twice daily.
Use a product with 1 percent hydrocortisone twice a day to heal the cracks.
Slather hands with a layer of a gentle barrier hand cream on top of a hydrocortisone product at night. Wear cotton gloves while you sleep to help the products penetrate the skin.
Wear dishwashing gloves to wash dishes or do chores where your hands may come into contact with cleaning products or water.
Limit your hands' exposure to water.
Wash hands with a mild cleanser and reapply hand cream every time you wash your hands.
Tip
If you have a latex allergy, wear latex-free dishwashing gloves.
References
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