Split fingers

[visitor]

Winter plus handwashing
Plus practicing
My fingers split it's painful
Hard to practice and it only opens them up more or again
Anyone use a product that helps heal and prevent the wound from coming back?  Any tips appreciated I have deadlines to meet so lost time waiting for them to heal is not really  sustainable thanks

[quantum]

What works for me is to apply moisturizer just before going to bed.  When you are sleeping you are not using your hands and therefore the moisturizer has time to absorb rather than being worn off with daily activities and frequent hand washing. 

Also apply moisturizer immediately after bathing. 

A humidifier in the bedroom also helps to keep the air from getting too dry.

[banned]

Taping the involved finger tips helps me.

[perfect_pitch]

Taping the involved finger tips helps me.

I would AVOID that. I did that once and I got pimples because the adhesive got into the skin and gave me a reaction.

Using a plaster - yes; tape - NO.

[banned]

Paper tape (medical tape for first aid) works fine for me as well as bandaids. Have you seen some great pianists using tape on their finger tips (like puppets) during performance, e.g. Brendel or Perahia? You might have an adhesive tape allergy or sensitivity. When I had blisters on my toes from walking several miles a day (10-15) on various trips, the paper tape or bandaids healed the blisters.

[j_tour]

I'm not sure about athletic tape, sometimes called Kinesio Tape (or just KT-tape) for blisters, although I've used it to immobilize some tendons in the hands and feet.  Never used it on open sores, though; I'm sure there are appropriate tapes which could work.

Moisturizer, perhaps doubled with thin cotton gloves while sleeping I've known people who've done that.

This won't address the blistering or cracking, but to restore sensitivity in the fingertips when I've built up callouses, I've had good luck using an old-fashioned pumice stone.  Those should be easy to find and inexpensive.  Or extremely fine sandpaper, of the sort used for refinishing delicate finishes on painted surfaces I've also used.

I'll just throw this idea out here, because it might work.  There are various products under the name "Super Glue" or "Crazy Glue" or the like that might be suitable for closing and strengthening small cracks.  I don't think such products would poison you, much, but it's something you might look into.  Possibly clear nail polish.  It's possible, I suppose.  I'm sure there's some research on the web about the toxicity of these products.

[perfect_pitch]

Ahhh... I have never experimented with different types of tape, but I'm rather hesitant to do so - as the resulting pimples I got were INSANELY itchy.

Also, I used black stage tape because it was the only thing on hand...   

[fftransform]

You're washing your hands too much, quit being a ninny.  Get some Dove to replace whatever you're washing them with, too.

[quantum]

Have seen this product on the shelf but haven't tried it yet.  Anyone have experience with it?
https://www.amazon.com/OKeeffes-Working-Hands-Cream-Value/dp/B00NON258U?th=1

[visitor]

Have seen this product on the shelf but haven't tried it yet.  Anyone have experience with it?
https://www.amazon.com/OKeeffes-Working-Hands-Cream-Value/dp/B00NON258U?th=1

I've seen may pick up I've used badger balm and hurts bees hand salve before but they all keep hands greasy which means can't play or work or do much of anything while wearing .... But I appreciate a the ideas will kewpnti keep tinkering I was working in my etude yesterday re opened pinky wound , blood on the keys , hurts like hell.... Ugh so annoying

[perfect_pitch]

You're washing your hands too much, quit being a ninny.  Get some Dove to replace whatever you're washing them with, too.

You talking to me or OP?

[edwyam]

Super glue works, as well as a OTC medication called Nu-Skin.  Both work best when the skin starts to crack.  For super glue put it into the crack and press the skin together for a couple of seconds.  For Nu-Skin paint over the cracked area and let dry.  Agree with using the moisturizers as the best preventive.   

[outin]

I think the only way to help while your fingers are cut open is to use plaster. I wonder if you can get the type that is sprayed? It would help to glue the wounds shut. When I cut my fingertips (I shoud keep out of kitchen and knives), I often use blister blasters that are more like fake skin.

But for prevention: I have very dry skin and in winter I always had problems because if I put hand cream on them I need to wash the grease off before playing. Then I found the gel type mosturizers that are not greasy at all. I have used several brands. I am sure you can get something similar in US.

[lostinidlewonder]

I've never had to face such a situation, my first instinct is to not play until you are healed up though if you don't have that option you are a in a spot of bother. If you need to moisturize your hands don't use products with mineral oil, they make the top layer of skin feel hydrated but underneath it doesn't help at all. 100% Coconut oil or Sweet Almond oil for instance is great for dry cracked skin, cheap and natural.

[visitor]

You're washing your hands too much, quit being a ninny.  Get some Dove to replace whatever you're washing them with, too.

a nice and good idea but not possible given that I working sciences /healthcare and with business clients and customers in patient care so it's a must to protect myself and others in order to prevent cross infection and become a vector for acute illness viral or bacterial transmission to myself , those around me and other patients so unfortunately it's wash often, with fairly harsh stuff or risk acute illness with some pretty nasty bugs ....