chapped and cracked finger tips

[ronny257]

In the winter time, my finger tips are cracked and sore.  What could this be?

[moconno1]

Well there is a new product being sold to guitar players called Rock-Tips, which you brush on your fingertips. It's non-toxic and transparent, and basically adds a thin but very tough layer of "skin" onto your fingertips. It can also be used to seal up cracked and dried out skin.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In winters, cold, dry air can cause peeling of the hands and fingers. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.