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.

I soak the affected area in warm, soapy water (using mild soap) before bedtime, apply the ointment, and then put on the socks. It is amazing how much healing occurs during one night. It can be repeated as often as needed and is also inexpensive and safe.

I have tried this with Vaseline and have found that it doesn’t have the same healing power.

DEAR READER: A&D Ointment is primarily marketed as a diaper-rash treatment but also claims to work well on dry, chafed skin and other minor irritations, which are not limited to infants and toddlers.

The active ingredients accounting for 68.9 percent of the product are petrolatum and lanolin. Inactive ingredients making up the remaining 31.1 percent include cod-liver oil (the source of the vitamins A and D), fragrance, light mineral oil, microcrystalline wax and paraffin.

Petrolatum and lanolin are common ingredients in moisturizers. They protect, soften, and rehydrate skin. Paraffin, wax and mineral oil help create a barrier to prevent loss of moisture. I’m not sure what topical cod-liver oil is good for other than moisturizing, but as I have reported in my column, many find that taking it internally helps maintain good health, improves vitamin A and D deficiencies, eases arthritis symptoms and more.

I have printed your letter because the product is indeed safe and inexpensive, since many retailers carry store-brand versions. This may be a good first choice for treating and preventing finger cracks as well as other minor skin irritations and problems.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema & Psoriasis.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter and sent to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Her pharmacist and family doctor told her that this would probably never heal. She has tried tea-tree oil, Corn Husker’s lotion and every cream we can think of. It used to get worse in the winter but now happens year-round. Would seeing a dermatologist help? Or is this really something that she will have to live with? I’m afraid that she will eventually get a bad infection or something else. She’s now six months pregnant, but anything that you suggest could be held off until after the baby is born.

DEAR READER: Well, you’re right about holding off until after she delivers. Furthermore, if she plans to nurse her infant, that might have a bearing on treatment. Because of her pregnancy, I recommend that she not do anything without consulting with her OB/GYN.

Cracked fingers are a true dilemma and are difficult to repair. I could tell you countless remedies, but you’ve likely tried them all. So let’s consider auxiliary approaches.

1. Your daughter should see her physician to rule out a fungal infection causing the splitting. Some people on antifungal shampoos have found that massaging the product onto their scalps three times a week has healed their cracked fingertips.

2. She might also have lab work to test her thyroid, because abnormal levels can cause cracking.

3. She should not shower using very warm to hot water. The higher the heat, the more likely her skin will dry out and crack.

4. She should wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing household chores with harsh chemicals. Anything on her open skin falls into the “harsh” category.

5. She should keep her skin moisturized. One of the best and cheapest solutions is to use a petroleum-jelly product that she generously applies to her hands before going to sleep. She should then slip her hands into white-cotton gloves overnight. This pattern should be repeated every night until her skin is better.

6. She should wear gloves or mittens when hanging out laundry or going outside in cold, windy weather. This will further maintain what moisture her fingertips hold.

7. If, after trying these approaches, she does not experience relief, an examination by a dermatologist may be appropriate.