Q. I am a preschool teacher and have to wash my hands dozens of times a day in the attempt to avoid colds and flu. I am suffering the worst case of dried-out winter skin I can remember with deep painful cracks around my fingernails.
I’ve tried everything under the sun from Eucerin and Corn Husker’s Lotion to Aveeno and Aquaphor. My hands are still a mess and the cracks make it hard to type or fasten buttons. Help!
A. Cold dry air and frequent handwashing are guaranteed to cause dry skin misery. Readers tell us that using Chapstick (or other lip balm) on the cracks is sometimes helpful. Another approach for cracked fingertips is instant glue. A safer solution might be liquid bandage such as New-Skin or Band-Aid brand.
For more recommendations on healing dry, cracked skin we are sending you our Guide to Skin Care & Treatment. Wearing cotton or disposable vinyl gloves over a greasy moisturizer overnight can also help dry cracked skin heal.
