What should you know about cracked skin on fingertips?

Frequent handwashing, sanitiser, detergents, solvents and cold weather can strip the barrier at the fingertips. Paper, tools and repeated gripping add friction. Burning, itch, redness, blisters or scaling may accompany atopic dermatitis; psoriasis can create thicker scaly patches and fissures. A crack beside a nail may become tender if inflammation or infection develops. The timing of symptoms around work, hobbies, gloves or a new product gives useful clues, but appearance alone cannot identify one cause.

Use lukewarm water, a mild fragrance-free cleanser and a soft towel. Apply an ointment or rich emollient immediately after washing, then reapply whenever the skin feels tight. Wear protective gloves for wet chores, with a comfortable liner if sweating causes irritation, and avoid keeping damp gloves on. Cover a small clean split with a suitable dressing to reduce friction. Do not tear peeling skin or apply harsh disinfectants unless a clinician has advised them.

Book an appointment if fissures recur, affect several fingers, disturb sleep or work, or continue despite barrier care. Seek prompt attention for pus, increasing warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, red streaks or fever. Sudden swelling after a product or glove exposure needs urgent advice, especially if breathing or facial swelling occurs.

Could this be hand eczema, contact irritation or psoriasis? Which glove materials and moisturiser should I use? Would patch testing or a prescribed treatment help identify the trigger?