Dry, thickened skin on fingertips, now a little numb

[luckysmom13]

I know we've talked about severely dry skin before and shared recommendations for moisturizers. Since I started taking Verzenio 4 years ago, I've had very dry skin on my hands and feet, nails ridged and dry, and cracking skin on fingers and toes. It used to be just in winter, but is gradually getting worse.

In the last 6-12 months, my nails are breaking off very short. They look dirty underneath but they're clean. Cracks in skin are much worse.

I saw a dermatologist last week. He said it was "xerosis," which just means very dry skin. He prescribed a steroid cream.

The skin on my fingertips feels thick and tender, causing me to have trouble opening plastic bags/ziplock tops and other things. They also feel a little numb.

I've never had chemo, but it feels like what people describe as neuropathy.

Has anyone had this, not chemo related?

[8576]

I am on Verzenio and Tamoxifen for less then a year now. It has brought me to a stable condition. The only dryness I have is in the hands and nails. Keep the nails short and find Udderly Smooth very helpful with the hands.But four years! I didn't know it was available that long ago but if the only side effects is dry hands and feet then I can live with that.

Cheers, June S.

[luckysmom13 in reply to 8576]

I started taking Verzenio a few months after it came out!

[mariootsi]

I have neuropathy in my hands, but I did have chemo during my first dx. The meds we are all on now can also cause neuropathy. It's so annoying.

[mariootsi]

Also very dry skin, nail ridges etc as you described. Looking for a good moisturizer.

[luckysmom13 in reply to mariootsi]

I've tried lots of moisturizers. The thicker the better and apply often!! I like Aquaphor and Eucerin (tub of extra dry skin), but they do take a while to absorb. Aquaphor has the consistency of Vaseline, while Eucerin has the consistency of Noxema cream (remember that?).

Gold Bond Ultimate Hand cream (small tube) or diabetic foot cream. Don't get lotion, as it's too thin!I also got a cuticle oil to rub on the fingertips and nails.

Moisturize after your shower, after washing your hands (but try to avoid hand sanitizer), before bed. For feet, moisturize and put socks on.

I still struggle despite doing all of this though!

[mariootsi in reply to luckysmom13]

Thank you. I do remember nozema! I will try them all!Lol

[life8888]

I'm on xeloda, and have discovered that Epsom salt soaks help relieve dry hands and feet from hand foot syndrome, followed by a urea cream or lotion with ammonium lactate. I just started the soak on my hands, and need to see if it'll eventually help my cracked fingertips. Fingers crossed!