Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/18/2015

My husband dealt with this issue for many years, especially in the winter. He would get very painful splits in his fingers. He worked indoors at a desk job and was not hard on his hands. Now he works indoors and outdoors with his hands all the time as a contractor. Oddly, he no longer has this problem, though it would seem to me the problem would be worse since the skin on his hands is used much harder.

I have several theories.

Perhaps it is related to a Vitamin D deficiency. I know he gets a lot more sunshine now than he used to. Consider a Vitamin D supplement, or getting outside in the sunshine daily.

His diet is better now. Less processed foods, less fast food. Much less soda. That might be something to consider.

He drinks a lot more water now. Hydrated skin will be healthier.

Consider a Vitamin C supplement as well.

Meanwhile, try either castor oil or extra virgin coconut oil on your hands overnight. Cover with cotton gloves if you are concerned about getting your bedding greasy.

If you could get a salve with comfrey in it, comfrey helps skin to heal more quickly. You could check a health food store for that. Or if you are the do-it-yourself type, let me know and I will tell you how to make your own.

Also, what are you washing your hands with? I would stick to something like Ivory or a castille soap. Most pump soaps (and hand sanitizers) these days have triclosan in it. I think this is awful stuff. It could be killing off good bacteria and leaving you with a fungal issue causing the skin issues you are having.

I know it was a pretty miserable condition for my husband. I hope you find a solution, soon.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Heinz (Tampa, Fl) on 07/19/2015

In the 1970s "Corn Husker's Lotion" was highly advertised. The main ingredient was Honey. (Buy local honey if you can because many commercial brands have corn syrup added.)

I used straight natural honey. I put some on my palm (fifty cent sized) and started rubbing my hands together. It quickly liquifies and becomes like water???!! Rinse and dry your soft hands. It works well.

Another help for chapped hands is to make hamburger patties from ground meat. Wash your hands with a mild soap. You will smile.

If you must hand wash glasses the detergents may be a problem. If you can, try "Lemon Fresh Joy." It's known as "the sailors friend". We would jump into the water, get out, soap up, jump back in for a rinse, dry off and were set for the evening. Of course our hair looked like we were plugged into a light socket, but we weren't sticky. The point is - Joy dish soap is easy on the skin.

I hope this helps.

Replied by Ms. Bee (Columbus, Ohio) on 07/19/2015

Replied by Mimi (Georgia) on 07/21/2015