Isla Bennett
Cracked skin at the fingertips is usually caused by dry skin, which may be the result of cold weather, harsh cleaning products, or excessive handwashing. In some cases, cracked skin at the fingertips can indicate an underlying medical condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or, in rare cases, cancer. To treat cracked skin at the fingertips, it is recommended to moisturize the hands regularly and avoid using harsh nail products. In addition, keeping the nails trimmed and maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help improve nail health. For more severe cases of cracked skin, it may be necessary to seek medical advice and explore other treatment options, such as topical hydrocortisone cream or antifungal medication.
How to treat cracked skin at finger nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Dry skin, exposure to water, harsh cleaning products, excessive handwashing, ageing, nail biting, cold weather, fungal infection, or underlying medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or cancer |
| Treatment | Soak hands in warm water, moisturise hands and cuticles regularly, use topical products like hydrocortisone cream, gentle exfoliation, push back and trim cuticles, eat a healthy diet, avoid biting nails and picking skin |
| Prevention | Wash and moisturise hands regularly, avoid harsh nail products, keep nails trimmed, use gloves when cleaning, avoid excessive hand sanitiser use |
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What You'll Learn
Soak your hands in warm water
Soaking your hands in warm water is an effective way to treat cracked skin at your fingernails. Firstly, fill a medium-sized bowl with warm water to a depth of about 4 inches. Then, dip your hands into the water, ensuring that your nails and cuticles are submerged. Keep your hands in the water for around 5 minutes. Warm water softens the skin around your nails, making it easier and less painful to groom. After soaking, gently pat your hands dry with a towel, taking care to remove any water drops from your cuticles while keeping them slightly moist.
The next step is to push back your cuticles. This can be done with a wooden cuticle pusher or an orange stick (a manicuring stick with a pointed end and a flat end). Pushing back your cuticles prevents them from growing out onto your nails. Once your cuticles are pushed back, you can trim away any loose or dry pieces with cuticle clippers. Be sure to only cut away skin that is white in colour, as this indicates that it is loose and could snag on things and cause tears.
If your cracked skin is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for professional advice and treatment.
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Moisturise regularly
Moisturising your hands is an important step in treating cracked skin at your fingertips. The skin around your nails may crack if it becomes dry and irritated, so it is important to keep it moisturised.
You can use lotions, moisturising oils, or store-bought moisturisers specifically designed for cuticles to moisturise the dry areas around your nails. It is recommended to use alcohol and fragrance-free moisturisers as they usually hydrate the skin better. Apply a generous amount of moisturiser to the entire area surrounding your nail, paying special attention to your cuticles. You can also try applying moisturiser underneath your nails. If your cuticles are dry and prone to splitting, keep them pushed back and moisturised. If there are loose or dry pieces, trim them away as soon as you notice them.
You can also try using a moisturising hand cream. Massage the cream well into your nail holes and onto your hands regularly, especially after meals. You can use emollients, petroleum jelly, or almond oil for this purpose.
Additionally, make sure you are staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet that includes at least five portions of fruits and leafy vegetables of different colours to ensure your body gets the required amount of vitamins and minerals.
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Avoid harsh chemicals
To treat cracked skin at your fingernails, it is important to avoid harsh chemicals. Many people experience dry skin from frequent handwashing because it removes the natural oils that keep your hands moisturized. In addition, the use of harsh chemicals in hand soaps and cleaning products can lead to dry skin. Therefore, it is advisable to use mild, alcohol-free hand sanitisers and cosmetics that do not contain alcohol or acetone. Instead of using harsh detergents, opt for kitchen gloves that do not contain latex.
Harsh nail products can also be detrimental to nail health. Allergies to different cosmetics, including nail polishes and acetone-based nail polish removers, can cause skin peeling. To avoid this, use nail polishes and removers sparingly and opt for those that are free from harsh chemicals.
If you have cracked skin, it is important to keep your hands and nails well-moisturized. Moisturizing your hands should help your cracked fingertips. Use lotions, moisturizing oils, or store-bought moisturizers specifically made for cuticles to moisturize the dry areas around your nails. Alcohol- and fragrance-free moisturizers usually hydrate the skin better.
In addition to moisturizing, you can also try sealing the cracks with a thin covering, such as a teabag and clear nail polish, or using a liquid skin bandage, which treats deeper skin cracks and encourages healing.
If your cracked skin is severe or does not improve with self-care and home remedies, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to investigate any underlying medical issues.
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Treat fungal infections
Fungal infections are very common and can affect the skin, hair, and nails. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, so fungal infections are more likely to occur in these conditions.
Fungal infections of the nails are called onychomycosis. This condition causes nails to become discoloured, thickened, and sometimes separate from the nail bed. Toenails are more likely to be affected than fingernails because they grow more slowly, have less blood flow, and are usually in dark, moist conditions.
Fungal nail infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which can be topical (applied directly to the skin) or oral tablets. Topical antifungals include ointments, gels, creams, lotions, and shampoos. Some are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Oral antifungals are tablets or capsules that can be taken to heal the skin from within. In some cases, the infected nail may need to be removed. Treatment can take several months to a year, and infections can return even after treatment.
It is important to note that antifungal treatments should be used exactly as directed for as long as directed. Additionally, steroid creams or ointments should not be used to treat fungal infections, as they can weaken the skin's ability to fight the fungus and make the infection worse.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining overall health, including the health of your nails and the skin around them. While external factors like cold weather, harsh cleaning products, and excessive hand washing can contribute to dry and cracked skin around the nails, internal factors like nutritional deficiencies also play a role.
A well-balanced diet should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods that provide your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Here are some specific dietary recommendations to support the health of your nails and the surrounding skin:
- Include foods rich in biotin, also known as vitamin B7, such as meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes. Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle and cracked nails.
- Ensure adequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, and D. These vitamins are crucial for nail health and overall skin health. Include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet to obtain these vitamins.
- Incorporate foods rich in zinc, iron, and calcium. Deficiencies in these minerals can also impact nail health. Lean meats, poultry, legumes, leafy greens, and dairy products are good sources of these nutrients.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to maintain skin hydration, which is crucial for preventing dry and cracked skin.
- Consider taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. This can help ensure that your body receives all the essential nutrients it needs to support nail and skin health, especially if your diet may be lacking in certain areas.
Remember, while dietary changes can help improve the health of your nails and the surrounding skin, it is also important to combine these changes with other self-care practices, such as regularly moisturising your hands and nails, avoiding harsh nail products, and refraining from biting your nails or picking at the surrounding skin.
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Frequently asked questions
If the skin around your nails is cracked, it's most likely due to dry skin. Try using a moisturising hand cream and massage it well into the nail holes and onto your hands regularly.
Avoid biting your nails and picking at your skin. Keep your hands out of your mouth and try to curb nervous habits.
If your cracked skin is severe or if you have any complications, it's best to see a doctor. Deep cracks may benefit from a liquid skin bandage, available over the counter, but severe cases should be assessed by a medical professional.
There are many reasons your skin could be cracking. It could be caused by cold weather, harsh cleaning products, excessive handwashing, or an underlying medical condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or, in rare cases, cancer.
You can buy nail repair kits or go to a nail salon to have your nail repaired. You can also use a teabag and clear nail polish to fix the crack.
