jimhammer1 | Feb. 18, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (report)

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it and let you know how it worked for me. I keeping thinking my thumbs' problem started when I purchased leather work gloves from China. I too have tried balms, New Skin, lotions, bandaids, anti-fungal creams, etc. - nothing has worked so far.

danno | Feb. 12, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (report)

Use Dove soap only. Check if you have zinc deficiency. Try Omega-3 supplementation. Take luke-warm showers.

Washbush | Feb. 10, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (report)

OK ... Everyone just stop hyperventilating and relax. I know this curse, and suffered with it for over 11 years. I thought I had tried everything ... from liquid bandage, to clear fingernail polish and even crazy glue. Forget all of them, they don't work. There is no common hand lotion, including Cornhuskers, or any balm, including udder balm, that will make a dent in the cracks. So, what's a guy to do?

Head over to Wallgreens and ask for "CARMOL 20". They will not have it out on the shelf, it is kept behind the counter. Whatever it is that is in it, that makes it stay behind the counter, is just what is needed. It works great! It is a non prescription product, but still it is kept in the back.

And, if you find yourself wearing work boots all day long, and the skin on your feet is starting to turn to leather, give CARMOL 20 a go on them too. This is miracle stuff.

I would love to have someone try it and then report back here with the results. Go for it!

Bubba John

mgr452 | Feb. 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (report)

I work retail, and not only the thumbs but most of my fingers get those cracks and hurt like hell. The solution? Crazy Glue!! Just put a drop or two on the crack, blow on it to dry, and it creates a hard shell that protects the crack and lets it start to heal. The stuff wears off after maybe a week, but you can re-apply as many times as you want. It stings a little when you first apply it, but it works!! I've tried New Skin, but that wears off a lot faster and does not protect like the Crazy Glue. A liitle hint---don't press your fingers together after putting on the glue, or you well have a heck of a time getting them apart.

judi | Feb. 8, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (report)

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Creme is excellent. It is available at Lowe's and Farm & Fleet. Developed by a pharmacist. I've used it several years and no longer have cracks in my thumbs in winter.