How do get rid of or prevent splits in fingers and heels?

[Anonymous]

I guess it is probably the change in weather, but right now I have 4 small splits/cracks at the tips of my fingers. And one huge one on my heel, I mean I am literally limping because it hurts so bad. I have been applying lotion 2-3 times a day, but anything preventive that you can to to keep them away?

[Anonymous]

to get them to heal, try aquaphor or lanolin. As for prevention, stay well hydrated and use lotion regularly so that they don't get this bad. Keep your feet as dry as possible, too. Sweaty feet are more apt to have these problems.

Also consider if you might have a fungal infection such as athlete's feet. That will cause the skin to split sometimes.

[Anonymous]

I suffer every winter from cracked skin because of the dry weather. First, get a hygrometer for your home and a really good humidifier (we are happy with our Enviracaire). Healthy humidity should be between 40 and 60%. Of course, winter humidity seldom reaches 30% in our house. Second, gloves for wet housework, especially dishes. Third, Neutrogena Norwegian skin care formula for hands and feet. It works the best of any dry skin cream I have tried - do not use lotion, it is not rich enough for winter. After every hand-washing, massage a bit of Norwegian formula on the driest areas.

[Anonymous]

I'm convinced that acidic foods cause these and Halloween candy is the way to ring in the split fingers and heels season. Wet band aids help them heal quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm convinced that acidic foods cause these and Halloween candy is the way to ring in the split fingers and heels season. Wet band aids help them heal quickly.

Forgot to add that mayo causes these painful cracks any time of year that I eat it. (I hardly eat it for that reason, so I have it down to a science.)

[Anonymous]

whatever you do, don't get pedicures. that will only make it worse

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:whatever you do, don't get pedicures. that will only make it worse

Really, I find the getting pedicures PRIOR TO and continuing through the winter actually help my feet not get cracked and dry.

OP, in addition to the pedicures, I try to drink tons of water, eat (relatively) well, and moisturize like crazy. I have moisturizer at my desk, at home and in my purse. I don't have any real problems as long as I follow this regimen.

[Anonymous]

First try to get rid of as much dry skin as possible by soaking and using a pumice stone. Then, slather your feet in an intensive moisturizer (like Aquaphor), then cover up in socks overnight. Your feet should feel (and look) much better in the am.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for Aquaphor ointment, covering with socks nightly.

As for hands, there's one Vaseline hand cream that works well for me, can't remember the name, some sort of intensive therapy type.
Or Kiehl's Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion. That stuff rocks.

[Anonymous]

You can also use this stuff called Bag Balm. I put it on at night, it reeks to high heaven, but I haven't had anywhere near the cracked hand issues I used to have.

[Anonymous]

I used the Ped Egg when needed, but use a pumice stone daily. Before bed I slather Aquaphor on my feet and cover my feet with socks before I go to sleep. When I wake up in the morning...my feet are super soft. However, if I slip up for even one night...they become dry really quickly.

[Anonymous]

Dry skin is not the same thing as these deep cracks that spring up on finger tips and heels.

[Anonymous]

Try Kerasal for your feet. I used to have cracked heels that looks god awfully scaly and dry. This stuff worked wonders.

[Anonymous]

Trader Joe's Midsummer Night's Cream. Its thick, creamy, unscented, and cheap. I live for this stuff.

[Anonymous]

Most lotions have alcohol and will dry out your skin more if it is already really dry.

Try Vitamin E oil, baby oil, shea butter or a mosturizer without alcohol like Elta.