Take a Crack at Healing Fingertip Fissures

Painful cracks in the fingertips are a common problem, especially during cold weather. A simple but effective remedy is to have the patient apply petroleum jelly to the crack, cover it with an adhesive bandage put on with a bit of tension, and then place a second adhesive bandage over the first at right angles for reinforcement. Instruct the patient to leave the bandages on overnight and to reapply 1 or 2 more nights if needed. If a patient’s daytime activities permit it, the bandages can also be worn during the day.

——Ron Passeri, MD