any help for skin splitting on fingers? - Myositis Message Board

erik_dm · 03-18-2004, 06:27 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

sissygirl · 03-22-2004, 11:23 AM

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, 08:03 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 · 04-18-2004, 10:04 PM

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!

bluesky41 · 04-27-2004, 08:29 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.