I have a crack problem

RickG501 · March 9th, 2008, 12:09 AM

on my fingers and hands. The cold dry weather, getting my hands wet and scrubbing things, I get splits on each side of the nails on my finger tips. Has any body got a good recommendation on lotion or something to heal these?

It sure makes it hard to be a finger picker when these things split and are painful.

O- Fender · March 9th, 2008, 12:17 AM

What works for me is to increase your Omega 3's. It comes in capsule form. Eat a lot of avacado, like add it to your sandwiches or salad. You can also get it from eating more seafood like tuna and salmon, but you shouldn't eat too much due to the toxins.
You could also try a spoonful of flax oil once or twice a day.
It also helps dried and rough feet.

RickG501 · March 9th, 2008, 12:35 AM

Thanks, I'll buy some omega3 tomorrow.

casterway · March 9th, 2008, 04:34 AM

Hand cream with glycerin, or straight glycerin. I think it is used to remove make up. Slather your hands with it, then put on some surgical/mechanics gloves and go about your day. Lets you soak, and still touch stuff with out getting goop all over.

Tele Fan · March 9th, 2008, 06:18 AM

Corn Huskers Lotion. Great stuff.

octatonic · March 9th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Basic moisturiser with vitamin E should do the trick.
My missus buys it so I don't know what brand or anything- but i put some on my hands when the weather is dry.

Big John · March 9th, 2008, 08:22 AM

I have a crack problem too, it's that part of my bum that sticks over the top of my pants when i bend down to pick something up !

It might sound stupid but the best thing i have found for dry skin is saddle soap, some of it can be quite hard and needs time and working to get it soft but it does work.

ChicknPickn · March 9th, 2008, 10:50 AM

Any manicurist will tell you that water, detergent, and cold, dry weather are about the worst combination of elements for hands. One thing you can do if you have to soak your hands in soapy water a lot is keep a tub of heavy hand moisturizer, like Nivea, close to the kitchen sink. Work some into your nails every day. Anything with lanolin in it is good, too. Goop hand cleaner is mostly lanolin and is a great hand treatment as well as an amazing cleaner.

jwsamuel · March 9th, 2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele Fan

Corn Huskers Lotion. Great stuff.

+1.

My wife has bought me all this other stuff to try but nothing works better than Corn Huskers Lotion.

Jim

pengipete · March 9th, 2008, 10:57 AM

In Europe there's a product called Neutrogena which is a hand cream. It was developed for use by fishermen in Norway and, so my wife tells me, is the best you can get.

Ask your Phamacist before using anything and also consider using safety gloves or a barrier cream in future.

Dan German · March 9th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele Fan

Corn Huskers Lotion. Great stuff.

+2, but also try Bag Balm.

Got the same problem. Two worst jobs I ever had? Working in a liquor store (handling cardboard boxes in a cooler will mummify your hands) and being a mechanic. All those solvents speed up the cracking then burn like heck when they get in the cracks.

RickG501 · March 10th, 2008, 12:19 AM

I knew I could count on you guys for good advice.

I've bought some neutrogena for cracked dry hands.
I also got some omega3 started taking it this evening.
I already had corn huskers and had been using it, but just wasn't up to the challenge, I've been using it on a fairly regular basis for a while though.

Thanks all.

Big John I know how to fix that crack problem...bigger size on the pants, and pull 'em up...or hire a different plumber.

robt57 · March 10th, 2008, 12:38 AM

2nd the Corn Huskers. And Bag Balm, like they use on cows. Yes, seriously.
And anything with lots of Lanolin in it.

furrfurrfurr · March 10th, 2008, 12:42 AM

i have the same prob.

Medicated Gold Bond is the best I've found so far.

unbridled · March 10th, 2008, 03:49 AM

Buy vitamin E capsules and break them open and rub the liquid in. More concentrated than other methods.

You probably already know that you can use super glue on your fingers as a quick fix to get through a gig. The problem with that is the solvents you need to use to take it off crack your fingers worse.

bendecaster · March 10th, 2008, 04:13 AM

I can't believe that there hasn't used Super Glue for splits. I've been using that since it was invented. One drop right in the crack, squeeze it together for about 10 seconds( not touching the glue, of course ), and voila! instant repair! AND, it doesen't hurt to play right away( do make sure it's dry )! By the time the glue wears out/breaks down( in a couple days ), and you end up picking it off, you've got a callous there.

BellyBoy · March 10th, 2008, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele Fan

Corn Huskers Lotion. Great stuff.

+1 on the CornHuskers lotion

Brian Krashpad · March 10th, 2008, 08:28 AM

+1 on Bag Balm.

Caper · March 10th, 2008, 09:18 AM

My hands are also prone to drying out pretty bad, the best lotion I've used so far is Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, wife's recommendation of course. It really is non-greasy, great for guitar players

tboy · March 10th, 2008, 03:25 PM

I've applied Neosporin to cracks that just won't heal. You know, 6-7 days and it's just getting worse. It nearly always gets them healing in a day or two.

guitarzan13 · March 10th, 2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caper

My hands are also prone to drying out pretty bad, the best lotion I've used so far is Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, wife's recommendation of course. It really is non-greasy, great for guitar players

+1 and then some!!!!!!!!!!

BillyG · March 10th, 2008, 05:18 PM

Fish Oil (omega 3) is good but Udo's Oil is better. It contains additional essential fatty oils and doesn't repeat on you. I hate burping up salmon when I haven't had any.

skyboltone · March 10th, 2008, 06:48 PM

Scandanavians know it. Alaskans and folks from the interior of Canada know it too. Drink 80-100 ounces of water a day. Use the Neutrogena hand grease after washing hands. Their are several kinds of Neutrogena. The good one is a heavy clear grease. Looks like RTV and about the same consistency and color. When you hang around were outdoor humidity is <4% you loose moisture faster than you can put it in almost. Beer doesn't help.

I never heard the Omega 3 business. Sounds like a good idea.

Dave_O · March 10th, 2008, 08:01 PM

As an ex-concretor, I know the little buggers well. The best stuff I've ever used was melaleuca oil. I'd have blood coming outta 'em when I'd get home, put this stuff on before going to bed the ease the pain (they're like the mother of all papercuts!!) and in the morning, they'd be closed up and healed.

RickG501 · March 11th, 2008, 01:22 AM

Thanks again all.

Where would I find, melaleuca oil? What's it made from?

blacklinefish · March 11th, 2008, 01:48 AM

Well, in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold dry winter season is about over. I have a recommendation for next year (or the upcoming season if you are NZ or something). I don't like to use moisturizers because it's one more thing I hate worrying about. However, as I have gotten older, I have noticed I need it more.

In the late fall, I have a signal to tell me when to start using bag balm, corn husker, neutrogena, etc. When the tile floor of the bathroom feels cold to my feet, it's time to start adding moisturizer a few times a week. By the time other people are complaining that it's time to start moisturizing, I've been doing it for a month. It really helps me out.

--gh

March 9th, 2008, 12:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
RickG501 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Age: 54 Posts: 963	I have a crack problem on my fingers and hands. The cold dry weather, getting my hands wet and scrubbing things, I get splits on each side of the nails on my finger tips. Has any body got a good recommendation on lotion or something to heal these? It sure makes it hard to be a finger picker when these things split and are painful.

March 9th, 2008, 12:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
O- Fender Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 452	What works for me is to increase your Omega 3's. It comes in capsule form. Eat a lot of avacado, like add it to your sandwiches or salad. You can also get it from eating more seafood like tuna and salmon, but you shouldn't eat too much due to the toxins. You could also try a spoonful of flax oil once or twice a day. It also helps dried and rough feet. __________________ "Unless you are the lead dog, the scenery doesn't change much." - Kinky Friedman "Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music" - Anon.

March 9th, 2008, 04:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
casterway Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Aldergrove, British Columbia,Canada Age: 40 Posts: 2,847	Hand cream with glycerin, or straight glycerin. I think it is used to remove make up. Slather your hands with it, then put on some surgical/mechanics gloves and go about your day. Lets you soak, and still touch stuff with out getting goop all over. __________________ There's nothing wrong with a proper repair... "I don't scratch no guitars." John Lee Hooker, when asked to carve his signature into an old acoustic.

March 9th, 2008, 06:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tele Fan Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville, Ky Age: 29 Posts: 1,704	Corn Huskers Lotion. Great stuff. __________________ Life is better when you just make it up as you go along.

March 9th, 2008, 07:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
octatonic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Posts: 1,670	Basic moisturiser with vitamin E should do the trick. My missus buys it so I don't know what brand or anything- but i put some on my hands when the weather is dry. __________________ "A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges." Benny Green

March 9th, 2008, 12:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
RickG501 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Age: 54 Posts: 963	Thanks, I'll buy some omega3 tomorrow.

March 9th, 2008, 08:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 4,703 36 Photos	I have a crack problem too, it's that part of my bum that sticks over the top of my pants when i bend down to pick something up ! It might sound stupid but the best thing i have found for dry skin is saddle soap, some of it can be quite hard and needs time and working to get it soft but it does work. __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

March 9th, 2008, 10:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
ChicknPickn Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Suffolk, VA Age: 45 Posts: 436	Any manicurist will tell you that water, detergent, and cold, dry weather are about the worst combination of elements for hands. One thing you can do if you have to soak your hands in soapy water a lot is keep a tub of heavy hand moisturizer, like Nivea, close to the kitchen sink. Work some into your nails every day. Anything with lanolin in it is good, too. Goop hand cleaner is mostly lanolin and is a great hand treatment as well as an amazing cleaner.

March 9th, 2008, 10:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
pengipete Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gloucester U.K. Age: 47 Posts: 1,583	In Europe there's a product called Neutrogena which is a hand cream. It was developed for use by fishermen in Norway and, so my wife tells me, is the best you can get. Ask your Phamacist before using anything and also consider using safety gloves or a barrier cream in future.

March 10th, 2008, 12:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
RickG501 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Age: 54 Posts: 963	I knew I could count on you guys for good advice. I've bought some neutrogena for cracked dry hands. I also got some omega3 started taking it this evening. I already had corn huskers and had been using it, but just wasn't up to the challenge, I've been using it on a fairly regular basis for a while though. Thanks all. Big John I know how to fix that crack problem...bigger size on the pants, and pull 'em up...or hire a different plumber.

March 10th, 2008, 12:38 AM	#13 (permalink)
robt57 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 51 Posts: 3,739 21 Photos	2nd the Corn Huskers. And Bag Balm, like they use on cows. Yes, seriously. And anything with lots of Lanolin in it.

March 10th, 2008, 12:42 AM	#14 (permalink)
furrfurrfurr Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South of Heaven Posts: 2,515	i have the same prob. Medicated Gold Bond is the best I've found so far. __________________ Hope I'm not too Messianic or a trifle too Satanic. Meow.

March 10th, 2008, 03:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
unbridled Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dillon, Mt Age: 33 Posts: 241	Buy vitamin E capsules and break them open and rub the liquid in. More concentrated than other methods. You probably already know that you can use super glue on your fingers as a quick fix to get through a gig. The problem with that is the solvents you need to use to take it off crack your fingers worse.

March 10th, 2008, 04:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
bendecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 1,042	I can't believe that there hasn't used Super Glue for splits. I've been using that since it was invented. One drop right in the crack, squeeze it together for about 10 seconds( not touching the glue, of course ), and voila! instant repair! AND, it doesen't hurt to play right away( do make sure it's dry )! By the time the glue wears out/breaks down( in a couple days ), and you end up picking it off, you've got a callous there. __________________ The Demented 7th

March 10th, 2008, 08:28 AM	#18 (permalink)
Brian Krashpad Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: GVL FLA USA Posts: 613 39 Photos	+1 on Bag Balm. __________________ Visit Crash Pad at: http://go.to/CrashPad http://www.myspace.com/CrashPad Gear List/Pics: http://www.geocities.com/bkrashpad/brian.html Read a review: http://www.ink19.com/issues/july2002.../crashPad.html Side Bands: http://www.myspace.com/HoytAndTheHotHeads http://www.myspace.com/DynamiteCharade

March 10th, 2008, 09:18 AM	#19 (permalink)
Caper Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,169 7 Photos	My hands are also prone to drying out pretty bad, the best lotion I've used so far is Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, wife's recommendation of course. It really is non-greasy, great for guitar players

March 10th, 2008, 03:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
tboy Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Area Posts: 684 8 Photos	I've applied Neosporin to cracks that just won't heal. You know, 6-7 days and it's just getting worse. It nearly always gets them healing in a day or two.

March 10th, 2008, 05:18 PM	#22 (permalink)
BillyG Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Summerville, SC Age: 41 Posts: 431	Fish Oil (omega 3) is good but Udo's Oil is better. It contains additional essential fatty oils and doesn't repeat on you. I hate burping up salmon when I haven't had any.

March 10th, 2008, 06:48 PM	#23 (permalink)
skyboltone Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South San Francisco Age: 58 Posts: 338	Scandanavians know it. Alaskans and folks from the interior of Canada know it too. Drink 80-100 ounces of water a day. Use the Neutrogena hand grease after washing hands. Their are several kinds of Neutrogena. The good one is a heavy clear grease. Looks like RTV and about the same consistency and color. When you hang around were outdoor humidity is <4% you loose moisture faster than you can put it in almost. Beer doesn't help. I never heard the Omega 3 business. Sounds like a good idea. __________________ The last of the World's great human beings!.....well, OK, one of the last of the World's great human beings!.... Oh, OK, just a perfectly ordinary slacker......

March 10th, 2008, 08:01 PM	#24 (permalink)
Dave_O Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 706 6 Photos	As an ex-concretor, I know the little buggers well. The best stuff I've ever used was melaleuca oil. I'd have blood coming outta 'em when I'd get home, put this stuff on before going to bed the ease the pain (they're like the mother of all papercuts!!) and in the morning, they'd be closed up and healed. __________________ The Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods www.myspace.com/hardwayband www.myspace.com/mojobros2mantrio http://www.soundclick.com/davemilesandthehardway ... and preface everything I say with IMO,FWIW... and WTF

March 11th, 2008, 01:22 AM	#25 (permalink)
RickG501 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Age: 54 Posts: 963	Thanks again all. Where would I find, melaleuca oil? What's it made from?

March 11th, 2008, 01:48 AM	#26 (permalink)
blacklinefish Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northwest Missouri Age: 40 Posts: 1,248	Well, in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold dry winter season is about over. I have a recommendation for next year (or the upcoming season if you are NZ or something). I don't like to use moisturizers because it's one more thing I hate worrying about. However, as I have gotten older, I have noticed I need it more. In the late fall, I have a signal to tell me when to start using bag balm, corn husker, neutrogena, etc. When the tile floor of the bathroom feels cold to my feet, it's time to start adding moisturizer a few times a week. By the time other people are complaining that it's time to start moisturizing, I've been doing it for a month. It really helps me out. --gh