Cracked fingertips are most often due to the lack of proper moisture in the skin on the hands. Other factors may also cause this condition. We will review the causes and treatments as well as methods of prevention that can be used to avoid this from happening again.
This particular skin problem is often most notable in the winter months when the cold, dry weather robs our skin of essential moisture. This lack of moisture can result in small cracks along the tips of the fingers. They can become quite painful and may even bleed. Any time there is a frequent change in the temperature you are placing your hands at risk of this problem. This can even include working in a freezer where your hands are going from cold to warm frequently.
Exposing our hands to detergents and harsh soaps can also cause these cracks to occur. To help prevent outbreaks it is important to wear rubber gloves when you are going to expose your hands to harsh chemicals that are found in detergents and soaps. This includes when you wash dishes. Poison ivy and other allergens found in dirt and during gardening can also cause cracking in the fingers. Gloves should be worn during gardening too.
Another cause of cracks in the tips of the fingers is the sodium lauryl sulfate that is found in many brands of shampoos and conditioners. This chemical has a drying effect on the skin and the hair. To prevent this cause, use hair care products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Eczema and fungal infections can also be the cause of dry, scaly skin. One way to determine if you have eczema is that you may notice small blisters filled with fluid on your fingertips. Vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes and and under-active thyroid are also causes of this condition.
Many remedies can be used at home and are available over the counter. These products will heal the cracks by softening the skin. Some of these products include Shea and cocoa butter enriched moisturizers, creams and oils rich in vitamin E and petroleum jelly. These products can be used at night before bed. For optimal results, generously apply the cream and cover your hands with soft, cotton gloves before sleeping. This will help heal the cracks as you are sleeping. If you do not have gloves, you can use clean cotton socks instead.
In the event of a fungal infection, an anti-fungal cream will be necessary. In many cases, intervention by your doctor may be needed. Your doctor will prescribe you a cream to use to clear up the fungal infection. This is also true if eczema is the cause of your skin condition.
To prevent cracked fingertips it is essential that you keep your skin well moisturized. You will also need to keep your exposure to harsh irritants such as soaps and detergents to a minimum. To help keep your skin well hydrated be sure to drink plenty of fruit juice and water. If these symptoms do not clear up within a reasonable amount of time, contact your doctor for assistance.
This particular skin problem is often most notable in the winter months when the cold, dry weather robs our skin of essential moisture. This lack of moisture can result in small cracks along the tips of the fingers. They can become quite painful and may even bleed. Any time there is a frequent change in the temperature you are placing your hands at risk of this problem. This can even include working in a freezer where your hands are going from cold to warm frequently.
Exposing our hands to detergents and harsh soaps can also cause these cracks to occur. To help prevent outbreaks it is important to wear rubber gloves when you are going to expose your hands to harsh chemicals that are found in detergents and soaps. This includes when you wash dishes. Poison ivy and other allergens found in dirt and during gardening can also cause cracking in the fingers. Gloves should be worn during gardening too.
Another cause of cracks in the tips of the fingers is the sodium lauryl sulfate that is found in many brands of shampoos and conditioners. This chemical has a drying effect on the skin and the hair. To prevent this cause, use hair care products that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Eczema and fungal infections can also be the cause of dry, scaly skin. One way to determine if you have eczema is that you may notice small blisters filled with fluid on your fingertips. Vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes and and under-active thyroid are also causes of this condition.
Many remedies can be used at home and are available over the counter. These products will heal the cracks by softening the skin. Some of these products include Shea and cocoa butter enriched moisturizers, creams and oils rich in vitamin E and petroleum jelly. These products can be used at night before bed. For optimal results, generously apply the cream and cover your hands with soft, cotton gloves before sleeping. This will help heal the cracks as you are sleeping. If you do not have gloves, you can use clean cotton socks instead.
In the event of a fungal infection, an anti-fungal cream will be necessary. In many cases, intervention by your doctor may be needed. Your doctor will prescribe you a cream to use to clear up the fungal infection. This is also true if eczema is the cause of your skin condition.
To prevent cracked fingertips it is essential that you keep your skin well moisturized. You will also need to keep your exposure to harsh irritants such as soaps and detergents to a minimum. To help keep your skin well hydrated be sure to drink plenty of fruit juice and water. If these symptoms do not clear up within a reasonable amount of time, contact your doctor for assistance.
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