Dry hands

[panthersgirl74]

Hi all I have raynauds and I have got really dry sore hands I put different creams on but it won't go away fingers red and slightly swollen and burning help anything else I can do its been like this for weeks now

[Blue-Bunny]

E45... but of the none medical type, I'd personally recommend Nivea. If your fingers are displaying signs of cracks and being swollen, you should go have a chat with your doctor.

[zenabb]

I use acqueous cream which I buy in a big tub for £2.80. But I agree with Ravenshade that you should see your doctor and perhaps be referred to a rheumatologist.

[darkdreamer]

Mine are quite bad at the moment as well, mostly because my hands get very grubby at work and I'm having to wash them too often with cheap liquid soap. I find neutrogena cream is quite good and doesn't feel too greasy.

[Irene55]

Neutrogena cream is very good for hands but Doublebase is also very good. I first got a sample at the Royal Free Hospital. It stops all itching and dryness.

[nettie545]

Hi. I have Raynaud's as well, my Dermatologist prescribed "Hydromol" Ointment. It's also for Psoriasis. I use it every night before I go to bed, it really is good as it is a pure product. Hope that helps.

[tall-tim]

I am currently using a German preparation called 'Melkfett'; by Altapharma.

I have not tried these, but 'Gel Moisturising Gloves' e.g. vitaminised ones from Dealtastic might help. One could wear them at night, perhaps?

Tim

[graygirl1]

Hi. I too suffer with dry itchy and sore hands but I am my own enemy as I always forget to wear gloves to protect my hands when washing up. However, I always encourage others to protect the hands from detergents, strong or otherwise. You may need a little hydrocortisone cream or ointment to use for a short while until the soreness and itchiness subsides. Ask your doctor or the pharmacist for advice on this. You should see your doctor about this anyway.

For general skincare I use emulsifying ointment or aqueous cream. These are cheap and can be used as much as you like. These tend not to be long-lasting as they are water-based.

I love oils like vaseline, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil or any of the essential oils for the hands face and body. I use baby soap to shower and to wash hands then moisturise. Baby soap is pure.

Give your hands a generous moisture at bedtime and put on a pair of cotton gloves to keep in the moisture whilst you sleep. You can do the same for your feet and put on a pair of cotton socks. Both gloves and socks are £1.00 at Savers and the £ shop. May be a little more at the chemists and supermarkets.

Good luck, hope you'll be better soon.

[russnutter]

I find ,Balmosa cream ,gives me the best results ,it moisturizes your skin,and it opens up your capilleries to give you unrestricted blood flow ,also a good tip,put cream on when you go to bed with gloves /socks on, you can start the day with human hands !

[Blue-Bunny in reply to russnutter]

As opposed to being woken up by hands that feel like they'd be better suited to a weeping angel? *may have done that a few times*

[jessieAla]

Panthersgirl74, I can truly sympathize with your problem.

For 4 years I endured very sore, cracked and bleeding fingers. I tried any and all creams/oils, wearing gloves much of the time, day and night. A friend of my husbands with a similar problem suggested I try Urea Cream 50%. This strength requires a prescription in the the U.S. but I got the cream. I couldn't believe it, it was a MIRACLE !!! The improvement was dramatic and after about a week, my hands were totally smooth. I felt I'd gotten my life back !

Urea cream is an ingredient in some of the over the counter creams, but a stronger strength is necessary to repair damage as bad as ours. It will sting a bit for about 10 min if the skin is broken, but that's nothing if it works, right? I used it 3 times a day initially and by the 3rd day my hands had healed so much that there was no sting. You can also mix other oils or creams with it if you like.

Now I use it generously every night before bed to prevent the problem from coming back. If I miss a couple of nights my hands show the dryness and cracks beginning. I don't want to ever be without it.

[Lindalo1]

I use Aquaphor Healing Ointment, A&D ointment and sometimes Vicks Vaporub. I have used Lubriderm, Eucerin and Bag Baim. I find the Aquaphor to be the most effective.