erik_dm
03-18-2004, 09:27 PM
Hi,
I've been diagnosed with DM for a month or two. I also have interstitial lung disease. Thankfully it's a pretty minor case and I can do most anything I want. My biggest problems are my joints cracking all the time, pain in my wrists and hands, and the skin on my thumb, index, and middle fingers splitting open. Anyone got tips for treating the skin issue? I've been using the bandaid glue stuff and other finger bandaids which works okay. It's a pain though and the skin is still fairly dry and rough. Are there moisterizers or something that can help?
Thanks,
Erik
I've been diagnosed with DM for a month or two. I also have interstitial lung disease. Thankfully it's a pretty minor case and I can do most anything I want. My biggest problems are my joints cracking all the time, pain in my wrists and hands, and the skin on my thumb, index, and middle fingers splitting open. Anyone got tips for treating the skin issue? I've been using the bandaid glue stuff and other finger bandaids which works okay. It's a pain though and the skin is still fairly dry and rough. Are there moisterizers or something that can help?
Thanks,
Erik
Sponsor
sissygirl
03-22-2004, 02:23 PM
I have not been to a doctor yet with my sypmtoms, thus haven't been diagnosed, but do have the problem you've described. I live in a very warm climate and still suffer from splitting on the thumbs and fingers you described. My dermatologist prescribed Fluocinonide .05% ointment. It helps some, but the best thing I've used is (Wal-Mart's) Equate triple antibiotic ointment plus--it has a pain reliever in it and maybe that's the key--plus it promotes healing. I've tried everything from what you mentioned to Burt's Bees Hand Creme (not bad). Good luck. Mine seems to improve with warm weather and worsen with cold weather...how about yours?
prometheus
03-28-2004, 11:03 PM
I noticed that this happens to me, when, and only when I have contact with commercial detergents/dishwashing liquids (this includes shampoos too).
Takbeer
04-19-2004, 01:04 AM
Hello,
I have DM. Have had it for about 17 years(undiagnosed until Sep of 2003)
For my hands I purchases a hot wax machine. The kind used in beauty salons. Found one on sale at JC Penneys for about 19.99 during the holiday season.
I first apply Shea Butter, dip my hands and cover them w/the plastic bags that came w/the machine. You don't have to keep it on for a long time, but I find sleeping w/them on helps a lot. Works wonders.
Hope this helps!
I have DM. Have had it for about 17 years(undiagnosed until Sep of 2003)
For my hands I purchases a hot wax machine. The kind used in beauty salons. Found one on sale at JC Penneys for about 19.99 during the holiday season.
I first apply Shea Butter, dip my hands and cover them w/the plastic bags that came w/the machine. You don't have to keep it on for a long time, but I find sleeping w/them on helps a lot. Works wonders.
Hope this helps!
bluesky41
04-27-2004, 11:29 PM
you might want to try using a soy candle. They burn slowly and the wax does not get hot. Once the wax is melted use the same as you would regular hand lotion. Just dip your finger in the wax and apply. This is the best thing I have found for dry splitting skin.
MomwithMS
11-01-2004, 07:46 PM
My fingers split open all the time. I use hydrocortisone cream.
mudhound
11-10-2004, 08:39 AM
I use gold bond lotion. It seems to cure everything.
Lilymaid
01-22-2005, 03:17 AM
Put Zim's Crack Cream Lip Balm on the crack and cover with a Johnson's Waterproof Band-Aid for fingers on it everyday--- when the crack heals,use their original recipe Zim's Crack Cream spray of arnica oil and aloe and then put the the Zim's Crack Cream Lotion over it to maintain suppleness. It's super dee duper! Zim's Crack Cream has a website..check it out..you can buy their products online or at CVS and Walgreens :wave: Not too many people know about their stuff...they have really fine products, reasonably priced..makes the skin feel great...they have cream for cracked heels and feet also..great for elbows and knees too... :D
paminarizona
07-14-2006, 11:31 PM
Hi,
I've been diagnosed with DM for a month or two. I also have interstitial lung disease. Thankfully it's a pretty minor case and I can do most anything I want. My biggest problems are my joints cracking all the time, pain in my wrists and hands, and the skin on my thumb, index, and middle fingers splitting open. Anyone got tips for treating the skin issue? I've been using the bandaid glue stuff and other finger bandaids which works okay. It's a pain though and the skin is still fairly dry and rough. Are there moisterizers or something that can help?
Thanks,
Erik
I've been diagnosed with DM for a month or two. I also have interstitial lung disease. Thankfully it's a pretty minor case and I can do most anything I want. My biggest problems are my joints cracking all the time, pain in my wrists and hands, and the skin on my thumb, index, and middle fingers splitting open. Anyone got tips for treating the skin issue? I've been using the bandaid glue stuff and other finger bandaids which works okay. It's a pain though and the skin is still fairly dry and rough. Are there moisterizers or something that can help?
Thanks,
Erik
paminarizona
07-14-2006, 11:38 PM
I don't have any suggestions for the cracking skin, but when I read your message and you mentioned interstitial lung disease, I wanted to find out more about your symptoms, etc. I was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease about a year ago. They say it is from some autoimmune disease, but can not pinpoint it. I am undergoing Cytoxan treatment and the lung disease seems to be stable (only about 15% damage) They have treated it like it is scleroderma lung so far. I too have had the cracking of the fingers and when I showed my rheumatologist this the other day he ordered some blood test for muscle diseases (CPK, etc) and I got a call today saying that the test were elevated and am having more test in a couple weeks. So now I am wondering if I have polymyocitis rather than scleroderma, or possible both! My main problem this past year has been coughing and shortness of breath. I do have some sking changes on my chest that look like scleroderma (shiny); Raynauds and the skin cracking on the fingers. Anyway, I hope you get some advice on the skin, but I was just so excited to hear someone who had a combination of the symptoms I have to see what your diagnosis is and what other symptoms or treatments you would like to share. Good luck.
brook65
07-19-2006, 09:12 PM
Hi, Did you know that superglue was originally invented to glue back together human skin?
An old boyfriend of mine used to use it on his cracked and split sore heels!
Best of luck:)
An old boyfriend of mine used to use it on his cracked and split sore heels!
Best of luck:)
JoJoJim
07-30-2006, 02:42 AM
Dear Erik,
I've had that happen, it HURTS!!! Ow, ow, ow!:eek: I use the triple antibiotic cream too. It works pretty good:) . I also use a good lotion with Lanolin and cocoa butter EVERY single time I wash my hands. Putting vaseline on those splits and then wearing cotton gloves at night helps too.
Peace Always,
the DragonLady
I've had that happen, it HURTS!!! Ow, ow, ow!:eek: I use the triple antibiotic cream too. It works pretty good:) . I also use a good lotion with Lanolin and cocoa butter EVERY single time I wash my hands. Putting vaseline on those splits and then wearing cotton gloves at night helps too.
Peace Always,
the DragonLady