Many people suffer from dry, cracking skin. It can be quite painful and it can even crack deep enough to bleed. The hands and fingers are often more susceptible because they are used often and not protected. Cracks on the tips of the fingers can be especially problematic because you use the tips of your fingers frequently, and this can cause the cracking to be worse. Treating the cracked fingertips, and preventing new cracking, can help you get rid of this problem. Dry skin, and the cracking that can follow, is caused by numerous different things. More commonly, it is caused by the weather. The winter weather, with cold temperatures, can suck all the moisture out of your skin, combined with the drastic changes in temperature that occur when you go from the warmth of the indoors to the sudden cold of the outdoors. Most people require the use of their hands for many things, particularly if they work outside or part of their job is out in the cold. This makes the hands and fingers more vulnerable. Skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, are also a cause. The flaking and scaling of eczema flares prevent the skin from being able to gather moisture from water or lotions. Inflammation during a dermatitis flare can cause this issue as well. There are also conditions that present with circulation problems that can cause dryness, such as diabetes. Although cracking has its own problems, there are other problems that it can cause. The cracking can lead to fungal or antibacterial infections because there are open wounds. In order to prevent a problem like cracking from getting worse, you should learn to use methods to help get rid of the cracks and keep them from coming back. Finding the right one will depend on which one works for you. If your skin issues are a result of underlying conditions, you must consult with your doctor. The condition should be treated properly before you can start addressing the secondary symptoms you experience. When temperature changes, exposure to irritants, or other acts that cause a lack of moisture are to blame, there are steps to take as well. You will need to start by softening the hardened skin that surrounds the cracks. To do this, you can apply a moisturizing lotion or petroleum jelly to the area, or your whole hand, every night before you go to bed. Wear cloth gloves while you are sleeping. The gloves will hold in the lotion and also create gentle warmth from your body heat that will open up your pores. During the course of your day, put antibacterial ointment on the cracks and cover them with pieces of gauze. The gauze will help keep dirt and germs out, while the ointment works to prevent infection. In between the ointment applications, you can try using light lotions that contain coco butter or tea tree oil. Sticky bandages should not be used because they suffocate the skin. Also, you should wear gloves if your hands will be in contact with a lot of water. Sodium lauryl sulfate is an ingredient found in many types of shampoos and soaps. The chemical is known to cause excessive dryness and products that contain it should be avoided. When you find something that works to get rid of the cracked fingertips, working to prevent them from recurring is a step in the right direction. If you need information about cracked fingertips, see us online. To learn more about the services and products that we can provide see http://www.mollysoldfashionedhandhelper.com today.
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