Cracked Fingertips

Cracked fingertips is often a problem caused by excessive dryness of the skin around the fingertips. Such extremely dry skin can be caused by several factors. This problem is generally more frequently encountered during the winter days, when the temperature drops to a significant level and the cold dry weather robs the skin of its moisture. This can result in the appearance of small cracks and fissures on the fingertips, which can be quite painful at times. Many times, such cracks can bleed as well.

What Makes Fingertips Cracked and Dry?

This condition can have several causes. Most often, it is the dry and cold weather of the winter that causes the skin around the fingertips to dry out and crack. The condition can be further exacerbated, if the hands are exposed to harsh detergents and soaps that irritate the skin and make it dry and rough. This is the case with people who do not wear gloves, while washing dishes or while working in the garden.

Dry cracked hands and fingertips can also develop, due to contact dermatitis. When the skin comes in contact with some particular irritants, found in harsh detergents and disinfectants, as well as the chemical, sodium lauryl sulfate (found in many shampoos), it can become extremely dry and cracked. Apart from these, fungal infection of the hand or tinea manuum and eczema can be some other possible causes of this condition.

If the condition has developed due to fungal infection, then the skin of the affected area can become dry and scaly and it can be accompanied by itching or a burning sensation. Eczema, on the other hand, can cause the skin to thicken and become scaly and crusty. Sometimes, fluid filled blisters or lesions can also develop due to eczema. In addition to these common causes, an under active thyroid gland, which is known to cause excessively dry skin and hair, may have an association with it.

Cracked Hands Treatment

For an effective treatment, it is essential to keep your skin well-hydrated and moisturized. You can use petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil to keep the skin of your hand, especially around the fingers soft and moisturized. Vitamin E is an excellent remedy. With regular application, the dry and cracked areas will soften and heal quickly. Along with petroleum jelly and vitamin E oil, you can use calamine lotion as well. It would help to sooth the skin. At the same time, reduce the exposure to harsh chemicals or soaps and detergents.

Make sure that you moisturize your hands every time after washing and also before going to bed. For cleaning your hands, use only a mild soap and slightly warm water. In the night, keep your hand covered in hand gloves, after properly moisturizing them. The skin care products that contain salicylic acid can help immensely to exfoliate the dry and thick skin around the fingertips. Even skin care products with alpha hydroxy acids can work well for dry fingertips. Otherwise, you can use almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, flax oil and jojoba oil, which are also some of the effective cures for this condition.

However, if it is caused by fungal infection, then it would require application of antifungal creams and ointments. You should better talk to your physician to find out an effective antifungal cream. Application of tea tree oil, which has antifungal properties can help to prevent the spread of fungal infection to other areas. Dry and scaly fingertips caused by eczema, on the other hand, can be treated with topical steroid creams. Again, it is better to have a talk with your physician. Once, eczema is confirmed, your health care provider would suggest the appropriate medications.

Once, your fingertips have healed completely, it is time to follow some preventive measures to avoid future recurrences. So, protect your hands from irritants, harsh chemicals, detergents and soaps by wearing a pair of hand gloves, while washing dishes, cleaning any household item or working in the garden. Limit the use of soaps, and moisturize your hand after washing it, especially during the winter days. However, if your fingertips are constantly dry and cracked, and have not healed even after taking all possible care and precautions, then consider a visit to your health care provider. Such a condition needs to be properly evaluated to rule out the possibility of dermatitis, eczema and fungal infection.