Cracked fingertips in the wintertime may be caused by exposure to the cold. A good way to allow cracked skin to heal is by protecting your hands from the elements by wearing thermal gloves. In addition, wear garden gloves when doing yard work. To promote the healing of cracked fingertip skin, apply a lotion that contains shea butter and vitamin E. In extreme cases, a physician may give you a prescription medication for healing cracked fingertips.
If the skin on your fingertip is broken, you can prevent infection by applying a small dab of triple antibiotic ointment to the area. Some cases of cracked fingertips may bleed or be very slow to heal. To form a seal and barrier against dirt and germs, apply a liquid bandage to the fingertip area.
Moisturizing lotions such as shea butter or cocoa butter are excellent for healing chapped skin. If the skin is broken, it is best to use a lotion that is non greasy. Your dermatologist or physician may give you a prescription for a dimethicone cream that can help promote healing. Apply a small amount to your fingertips, allowing the cream to be absorbed into the skin. If you prefer to use an over the counter cream, try hydrocortisone, which may relieve the inflammation associated with cracked fingertips.
Try a natural treatment for skin cracks, such as aloe. Buy a tube of pure aloe vera gel and apply it liberally to your cracked fingertips. Alternately, you can buy an aloe plant for the same purpose. Simply extract the juice from the leaves of the aloe plant and apply it to your skin. Aloe has remarkable healing properties and feels very soothing as well.
You can also apply some concentrated vitamin E oil to your cracked finger skin. You can find this liquid concentrate at most nutrition stores and pharmacies. Apply the oil to your cracked fingertips using a cotton swab or eyedropper.
If your physician suspects your cracked skin is caused by a fungal infection, he may prescribe anti-fungal medication. A cream that contains triamcinolone is good for treating fungal infections. This antimicrobial cream should only be used as directed by your doctor.
Take preventative measures to ensure your hands stay soft and hydrated. Protect your hands from further damage by wearing rubber gloves when you do dishes. Over-washing your hands can make them excessively dry and cracked, so use moisturizing hand soap. Avoid using hand sanitizers that have alcohol, as this may make your cracked fingertips even more painful.