Whats the best lotion

[debbiemac40]

My finger tips are cracked really bad and hurt any suggestions

[BoceprevirGal]

  I could never get the bandaid to stay on, onc the neosporin was on. It did help though, as long as I didn't use my hands for any work. That worked into my schedule, as I had such bad anemia, I was too tired to do much. But once I washed the dishes, or gardened, or did chores, without gloves on, those painful cracks on my finger-tips came back, during Treatment.
  Oh, by the way: I'm happy to report that the finger-tip cracks went away, the very same week I ended my treatment. Hang in there, Debbie, this too will end.

[heart_in_the_keyes]

Drink water...omit salts and caffine...sodas....lightly use olive or coconut oil. I use Aveeno lotions too but do not use ones that have fragnances. Aquapoor is like vaseline but they are making it in lotion forms too.  When I was an EMT in the ER we would recommend Eurecin..  The key is just finding one that you like and doesn't cause further agravation.  When you take a bath or shower, pat dry but put on moisturizer when skin is still damp.  Suggestions above for hands when washing dishes, etc. are good.  Whatever you find works for you, do often.  Hydration is important...drink your water, eat fruits and raw vegetables.

[Dee1956]

Hey there, there is a really good cream made for split fingers, it is called Working Hands, made by O'Keeffe's.  It comes in a green round container, it works well.
I read about it in the Handyman magazine.  Bought some for my Dad who has had this splitting problem for years.  He loves it.
Good luck

[debbiemac40]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.  Some days are worse than others.

[TexSunflwr]

I wish Medhelp had an edit function...I forgot to mention that when my husband's fingertips crack, he rubs Neosporin antibiotic on them first to prevent infection. He does not rub the lotion into any open wounds or cracks.

You might want to consult a dermatologist.

[TexSunflwr]

My skin was so dry during treatment that it resembled parchment. I used Eucerin lotion and it was a big help. My husband has had a lifelong problem with cracked skin on his hands, and he is the one who told me about Eucerin. His dermatologist told him about it. It is an over-the-counter item, and you can buy it in lotion form with a pump bottle, or you can buy the creme, which comes in a small tub/jar. The creme is formulated for extremely dry skin.

As Orphaned Hawk mentioned, olive oil is also helpful. I used to pour some in with my bathwater.

[rk2761]

My fingers used get thin cuts, like paper cuts. I put on polysporin or vaseline at night and used bandaides. Did that in day sometimes too. And hand lotion all the time., lubriderm intense skin repair. Put in on when hands are still damp and really work it in
Rk

[ceanothus]

Excellent advice! I have had this problem periodically for many years now. Triggers include harsh detergents, alcohol and, in my case, soil exposure. I wear nitrile gloves for dishes and scrubbing anything, and garden gloves before touching anything in my yard. I use Aveeno lotions (especially the one for eczema), and try to avoid excessive exposure to water. When I get a real crack I cover it with antibiotic ointment and a bandaid, replacing it immediately if it gets wet. They heal in half as much time as those that are left untreated, but prevention is by far the best when you can manage it..

[orphanedhawk]

Lanolin, coconut oil, even olive oil. The trick is using it often.

[runsincircles]

I also keep small bottles next to any sink where I might wash my hands and in my purse.  If my hands get wet, I put lotion on.  

[runsincircles]

I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion with colloidal oat meal (green label). It's the ONLY lotion I can use.  If it gets really bad, I use a glob of antibiotic ointment and put on some cheap stretchy gloves.

[mzkity]

I have that even without treatment, can be very painful. If its way to bad I use neosporin and wrap in band aides. Agree with boceprevirGal the alcohol just goes against what were trying to accomplish!!!

[BoceprevirGal]

  I also had that problem during my Tx. I used an alternative to vaseline, called Waxalene, made with soy oil, bees wax, and vitamin E.  
     I also tried not to use my hands as much, but if you have to do the dishes, wear gloves.  
   I think Auqaphor makes a good lotion also, the stores are starting to carry more stuff for cracked finger-tips and feet. Look around for the product that has no fragrance, is recommended by dermatologists, and is for sensitive skin. Slather it on before bed, and put some cotton mittens on, to aid with the absorption~ You can also use coconut oil or olive oil, because these are pure, and olive oil discourages fungal conditions as well.
   The problem with cheap store bought hand lotion is that there are many ingrediants, and I notice they use alcohol in them (maybe to perserve?) and that is always drying, and they also use fragrances, which furthur irritate.