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Dry cracked hands and feet

Laurawatson posted:

I live in Maine and the weather is very dry now that Winter is here. My hands get very dry and cracked no matter what I use, as well as my feet. Does anyone know of a really good hand cream and foot cream that will help prevent the painful cracks on my hands and feet? Any advice will be helpful. Shea Butter creams help but not completely. Thanks, Laura in Maine

48 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetI live in Maine and the weather is very dry now that Winter is here. My hands get very dry and cracked no matter what I use, as well as my feet. Does anyone know of a really good hand cream and foot cream that will help prevent the painful cracks on my hands and feet? Any advice will be helpful. Shea Butter creams help but not completely. Thanks, Laura in Maine

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Carclub replied to coachsam1's response:

I am gluten intolerant as well. I haven't had any since 2007 and I have 1 foot that cracks and drys out, the other a perfect foot. I am wondering if the Primrose Oil and fish oil you take has been the miracle... I am going to try it. Thanks for the post.

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetI am gluten intolerant as well. I haven't had any since 2007 and I have 1 foot that cracks and drys out, the other a perfect foot. I am wondering if the Primrose Oil and fish oil you take has been the miracle... I am going to try it. Thanks for the post.

Mohiba K Tareen, MD responded:

Dear Laurawatson,

I can definitely sympathize as many of my Minneapolis patients have this same painful skin dilemma. I hope my tips can help.

First, it may be helpful to see your physician or dermatologist as occasionally the cracks (which are scientifically referred to as "fissures") can be a sign of eczema or psoriasis.

Also, please be careful with the shea nut products as occasionally you can actually develop an allergy to the nut component (the fissures let in nut protein to the skin), which can actually make your skin problem worse.

Some of my favorite over the counter products are cetaphil restoraderm cream, cerave cream and vanicream. They all have limited preservatives and fragrances as well. At night time, I would suggest soaking your hands in warm water for 2-5 minutes then patting dry and applying a thick coat of vaseline and cotton gloves. (If you don't have cotton gloves at home slip on white cotton sport socks for 10-15 minutes).

There are prescription creams, ointments, and bandages, as well as injections that can also help, so please keep me updated!

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetDear Laurawatson, I can definitely sympathize as many of my Minneapolis patients have this same painful skin dilemma. I hope my tips can help. First, it may be helpful to see your physician or dermatologist as occasionally the cracks (which are scientifically referred to as "fissures") can be a sign of eczema or psoriasis. Also, please be careful with the shea nut products as occasionally you can actually develop an allergy to the nut component (the fissures let in nut protein to the skin), which can actually make your skin problem worse. Some of my favorite over the counter products are cetaphil restoraderm cream, cerave cream and vanicream. They all have limited preservatives and fragrances as well. At night time, I would suggest soaking your hands in warm water for 2-5 minutes then patting dry and applying a thick coat of vaseline and cotton gloves. (If you don't have cotton gloves at home slip on white cotton sport socks for 10-15 minutes). There are prescription creams, ointments, and bandages, as well as injections that can also help, so please keep me updated!

mayborn replied to Stevo32792's response:

I have had this done as a spa treatment. It is wonderful!! My hands were very soft and moisturized afterwards!!

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetI have had this done as a spa treatment. It is wonderful!! My hands were very soft and moisturized afterwards!!

AnandLeo replied to Pye9's response:

I had cracked thumb, lots of small dark cracks in the thumb, only few open cracks others were under the skin. I tried several creams bought over the counter and by prescription. Finally I got a prescription for 'Hydromol Intensive cream'. After using it for about 3 months now I can see improvement in the condition. My cracks were not painful only unsightly. Anyway I am glad with the improvement. I thought I'll add this cream to your list.

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetI had cracked thumb, lots of small dark cracks in the thumb, only few open cracks others were under the skin. I tried several creams bought over the counter and by prescription. Finally I got a prescription for 'Hydromol Intensive cream'. After using it for about 3 months now I can see improvement in the condition. My cracks were not painful only unsightly. Anyway I am glad with the improvement. I thought I'll add this cream to your list.

rastaman102 responded:

I used to live in Vienna Austria and my mom used to swear by this stuff called Tendu'. she is a dancer and she found this cream made by beatmodels, its not extremely easy to find unless you frequent in dance or yoga studios but i tell you that stuff works. I use to put a small amount on my hands and slide my gloves on and my dry cracking nearly frozen hands no longer sting and dry out. it has like coconut oil and shea butter which is a great blend there are other things too but those 2 together work magic.
i hope this helps;
Irv

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetI used to live in Vienna Austria and my mom used to swear by this stuff called Tendu'. she is a dancer and she found this cream made by beatmodels, its not extremely easy to find unless you frequent in dance or yoga studios but i tell you that stuff works. I use to put a small amount on my hands and slide my gloves on and my dry cracking nearly frozen hands no longer sting and dry out. it has like coconut oil and shea butter which is a great blend there are other things too but those 2 together work magic. i hope this helps; Irv

cathyinpalmsprings responded:

AandD ointment is the best. Lived in OOB,Sportland and Brunswick. Have to say I swear by A and D Ointment

Report This| Share this:Dry cracked hands and feetAandD ointment is the best. Lived in OOB,Sportland and Brunswick. Have to say I swear by A and D Ointment

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Mohiba K Tareen, MD

Mohiba K Tareen, MD is a board certified dermatologist who has an innovative practice in Roseville, Minnesota. Tareen Dermatology ( www.TareenDermato...More