skin dryness on the hands

[teachlady]

For several months now, the skin beside my nails on my hands has been splitting.  I have tried a different soap, several moisturizers, and sleeping in gloves.  The skin heals for a few days but the split reoccurs.  What causes this, and how can I cure it?  The slits are deeper than a paper cut and very tender.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

You are welcome.

Stop using the hand soap. Bring your own cleanser such as Cetaphil or other mild cleansers. You need not use antiseptic hand cleansers every day. Also avoid alcoholizing your hands. Just avoid any strong detergents, soaps and creams to come into contact with your hands.This may be irritant or xerotic dermatitis. At night, apply a thin layer of vitamin E cream on the area. This will help soothe the skin. If the skin condition persists ,then a fungal infection may be present and you may need topical medications.

[teachlady]

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS. I WORK IN A SCHOOL WHERE THE HAND SOAP IS SUPPOSE TO BE HIGHLY ANTISEPTIC.  THERE IS NO ITCHING OR DRYNESS IN THIS AREA. I WILL SURELY TRY THE VITAMIN E.
TEACH LADY

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

There may be an underlying xerotic eczema here. Xerotic eczema may present with dryness of the skin which may lead to itchiness and excoriations. Another differential is a fungal infection which may cause thinning of the skin. You may have this assessed by your physician. Any disorders alongside the skin of the nails may lead to a paronychia which is a soft tissue infection of the area.

A microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings in the area may give a diagnosis. Refrain from washing you hands often. Also try to moisturize with vitamin E to keep the skin supple and moist.

For how long has this been present?
Is there any itchiness or dryness in the area?
Have you been using certain chemicals or soaps which may irritate the area?