We use our hands all of the time to get through daily life – which is why having split skin on fingertips can be so painful and difficult! Whether you’re typing, using your phone, writing, cooking, playing an instrument, or washing the dishes, we certainly rely on our fingertips to get by.
In this post, we discuss natural remedies for cracked skin on fingertips around nails or split skin on thumb so that you can relieve pain, soothe discomfort, and manage symptoms.
Causes for Skin on Fingers Cracking and Peeling
First of all, let’s explore some reasons why the skin on your fingers may be cracking or peeling.
Usually, a skin fissure on finger or split skin on thumb happens when the skin barrier is compromised or you have extremely dry skin This peeling skin on fingers near nails often results from dryness and irritation. When the skin doesn’t have enough oil, it loses moisture which causes it to shrink. In contrast, when the skin is smooth and hydrated, natural oils prevent the skin from drying out by retaining moisture.
Dryness can be exacerbated by cold weather, prolonged exposure to hot water, and chemical irritants like harsh ingredients found in soaps and laundry detergent.
Cracked skin on fingertips may also be due to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, peeling, flaking, and redness. It results from a damaged skin barrier that has trouble retaining moisture, hence why dryness is such a common symptom.
Likewise, psoriasis is a skin condition that results from an overactive immune system causing extra build-up on the skin. It leaves the skin feeling tender, itchy, rough, and red, potentially even causing changes like dry skin under nails.
What Does Split Skin on Fingertips Look Like?
You may notice the following signs when dealing with cracked fingertips:
- Inflamed or red skin
- Dry skin
- Discoloration in the fingernails
- Broken fingernails or brittle fingernails
Home Remedies for Cracked Skin on Fingertips
Now that we know some potential reasons for your cracked fingertips, let’s take a look at how to treat split fingertips and heal cracked skin.
Wear gloves
To protect your sensitive skin from irritants, we recommend wearing Remedywear™ Gloves for adults and kids over affected skin. These gentle gloves are superior to cotton gloves because they are made from super soft TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide.
This unique combination of fibers allows them to boost the healing process while also providing a gentle layer of protection. The fabric is breathable and the gloves really fit like a second skin.
Wash with a Gentle Soap
As mentioned above, some soaps can actually further dry out the skin by stripping it of its natural moisture. This can worsen symptoms.
That’s why we recommend switching to a natural and nourishing soap that contains safe and effective ingredients. We love this Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap Bar because it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.
It’s made with just three ingredients: coconut oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter. While you can use it as a full body soap, it works equally great as a hand soap throughout the day.
Be careful if you wash dishes frequently. Most dish soap is notoriously drying and will really tear up your hands. We recommend wearing waterproof gloves while dish washing to prevent your cracked skin from worsening.
Keep your Fingertips Moisturized
A great way to keep dryness at bay is by ensuring your hands are well hydrated. This Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream has a soft, buttery texture you skin will love. It’s made with 6 all natural ingredients, including the powerful Manuka honey. With this creamy oil-based balm, a little goes a long way.
Try Wet Wrap Therapy
Last, we recommend trying wet wrap therapy to give your skin an extra boost of moisture. This is a simple yet effective at-home remedy. Start by layering the affected area of your skin with a natural cream such as the Manuka cream mentioned above. Then add a wet layer overtop, followed by a dry layer. This helps the emollient better permeate the skin. Leave the wet wrap on overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours.
