More relief for split fingertips

October 5th, 2010

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had split fingertip problems for 10 years or more but have been able to control it for at least the past five years.

As a practicing veterinarian, I deal with these splits much like I do soft-tissue damage in my patients. Specifically, I treat chronic soft-tissue problems much as I would treat a bone fracture. The prime consideration in proper bone healing is to limit severely any motion of the fracture ends until the bone is well healed.

I apply this principle to the split fingertips by taping the sides of the split together and staying with it until well after the splits are healed.

Invariably, after the wound areas heal, a callus forms on each side of the old split that prevents a final heal. You can deal with this by carefully trimming the firm callus and reapplying tape across the area. The trimming and taping are continued until the normal soft skin reappears. Depending on the persistence of the patient with immobilization of the wound edges, this process will take 10 to 20 days — or perhaps never if they are not diligent about controlling all skin movement.

As for the tape, I find that the very sticky tape on each end of a Band-Aid works nicely. Just trim the bandage part away. An easier item to use is 3M Transpore tape.

I am sure your patient’s fingers will heal if the patients are self-disciplined. The most difficult part is to find medical personnel, etc., to do the callus trimming and so forth.

The cause, at least for me, was vigorous flossing every evening. It finally dawned on me that the splits happened where I held the floss to guide it over the tip of my fingers. Since I changed to fluffy, soft floss and was careful to change the pressure points, the splits have been much reduced.

DEAR DOCTOR: Your approach is thorough and undoubtedly effective; however, I don’t believe that many people will want to wait two or more weeks to heal a single split.

This has been a popular topic, and I have received many responses. Some of the most recommended remedies are medicated chest rubs, castor oil, liquid vitamin E, vitamin D supplements, biotin, Liquid Bandage, Superglue, plain adhesive tape, vitamin/vinegar washes and paper tape. Many readers have found that using rubber gloves is a contributing factor to developing cracked fingertips and that ceasing use improves the skin. All of these other options claim to improve skin and heal splits in three to seven days.

Just as there are countless reasons for developing dry, cracked or split fingers, there are as many ways to help. My general recommendations are to keep the hands clean and well moisturized. Do not expose them to excessively hot water or harsh chemicals. Prevention is the best medicine for even simple maladies.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.