Relief for Painful Fingertip Cracking?

Q:  Why do the tips of my fingers keep cracking open? This usually seems to happen after I trim my nails even though I never cut into the flesh as I am doing this. These cracks are very sore and bothersome.

I've discussed the problem with a dermatologist who could not give me an explanation or an effective treatment. I am 70 years old, in quite good health and have had this problem for years. Your insight would be appreciated.

A:  Most fissuring of the fingertips is due to a combination of dry skin and trauma. It is a common problem and worse for many people in the winter when the air, and thus the skin, are drier. The nail provides some protection from trauma for the ends of the fingers and that may be why your problem is worse after trimming your nails.

According to Janet Fairley, Professor of Dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, it helps to treat your hands by applying moisturizers such as Aquaphor, Vaseline or Eucerin after each hand washing.

Also helpful are mild, superfatted soaps such as Dove and wearing gloves when you use harsh cleaning agents or other chemicals. If these simple measures do not help, then you should see a physician to check for hand eczema, which also can contribute to fingertip cracking.

Julie L. Mitchell, MD, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She practices internal medicine at the Froedtert & Medical College General Internal Medicine Clinic – East. Her column also appears in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.