Painful fingernails and fingers - no fun!

No,Debbie, you're not alone! I nails aren't very strong but they go from bendy most of the year to flaking in the dry of winter. I'm in the Pacific NW...western Washington state...the Rain Capital of the World! And I have dry skin that is so bad it splits open? Ya, my hands mostly. It splits either along a knuckle or the side of a thumb right along what looks like a fingerpring marking. And for some reason they hurt so darn bad! Probably because you are always moving and bending and, like you said, in and out of water.

My dermatologist has the same deal with his hands and told me what he uses. I already have a prescription for an antibiotic ointment called Bactroban (Mupirocin). It's an antibiotic ointment. He said to pile some of that on the split area at night, top it with a bandage and off to bed. Most often at least the pain is gone by morning and it's on it's way to healing. It's worked pretty well for me. But I already have a prescription of it for the dermatitis I have. I would imagine you could use any other OTC antibacterial ointment and get similar results. If you have some on hand it doesn't hurt to try. You can also find it very inexpensive at places like Walmart since the generic is the same as the name brand. One name brand is Neosporin and others are just called "Triple Antibiotic Ointment". Hopefully something in here might help.

Chutz

Hi Debbie, just wanted to let you know that I have had the problem with my fingers cracking and I do know how that hurts. Lately they havent been doing it and I cant even give you a reason why. I dont know why they haven't bothered me this year maybe its the chemo. lol If thats the case then I will take back the sore fingers. I hope you find something that helps.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley

Hi Debbie,

Sorry you're having a hard time w/ your hands and nails. I know how miserable that is, got the same problem myself.

Right now both thumbs, on both sides of the nails, are cracked. There is something hurting under the right thumb nail, too. My nails are all chipped and cracked. I am forever trimming them back. I used to have many vanities, lol, and my nails were high on that list. They were always shaped and polished, had to look just so. Well, let me say, that ship has sailed.

I wore gloves for dishes and such, didn't help. I also have dermatitis, so that irritated my hands. I can only use certain soaps and lotions on my skin. I am allergic to just about everything (had the tests to prove it, too), so there is little I can use to help. I also wear my winter gloves from Oct to late May, as my hands are soooo cold, and very stiff.

I had to go for fingerprints yrs ago for jobs and adoption. My prints would change w/ each printing, due to the scarring on my fingers and hands. One time they weren't able to get decent prints b/c of all the scarring. The guy got mad at me like it was my fault. Yep, I sit up nights and plan these things. 

No, you are not alone. I'm right there w/ you. Hope you have a good day.

God bless.  Alice.

I also tend to have them.
I've been pretty good this winter. Knock on wood.
I know how you feel and yes it hurts really bad.

Try wearing white cotton gloves at night. Make sure to load up on a good moisture cream first.