Crack in skin on thumb.

[AlpineCadet]

Has anyone tried superglue? I tried it when I didn't have any tape and it stung like the dickens.

[charliefedererer]

Originally Posted by AlpineCadet

Has anyone tried superglue? I tried it when I didn't have any tape and it stung like the dickens.

I don't think superglue is a very good idea. The solvent is toxic to the cells at the bottom of the cut. Then, as soon as it dries, it forms a barrier to prevent the two edges of the wound from touching each other so the wound can't heal. And it stings.

[r2473]

Rub some dirt on it kid.

[El Diablo]

I'd be hesitant to put glue on an open skin crack, or a closed area of skin for that matter. Solvents can be carcinogens and organic solvents penetrate the skin relatively well.

[mike53]

I was in Walgreens this morning and I saw a product made specifically for this problem. But it costs over 7 dollars and I wasn't really convinced that it was anything more than the "new skin" stuff I use now.

[goran_ace]

Aquaphor by Eucerin is also great as long as you are not playing at the time (it can be a little greasy).

On court, I'd tape up before playing.

[mary fierce]

Concerning solvents and cancer, benzene is a known carcinogen and toluene a suspected carcinogen; both are used in glues.

[LuckyR]

Originally Posted by mary fierce

Concerning solvents and cancer, benzene is a known carcinogen and toluene a suspected carcinogen; both are used in glues.

Though thumb cancer is quite rare...

[El Diablo]

.....and since mouth cancer is rare, putting carcinogens in your mouth ought not be a problem.

[mike53]

I would confine my use of superglue to my shoes unless I knew that I had a medicinal product. Remember what happened in Panama when they used industrial gylcerin in cough medicine?

[dman72]

I have the same issue..I thought it was something on my grips that was maybe causing an allergic reaction.

[tennisdude083]

Originally Posted by OHBH

This happens to me all of the time. Especially once its starts to get cool and dry outside. I always just use a band aid with neosporin. I keep it on while I sleep to let it heal and replace the band aid a couple times a day. There is nothing that will stay on all day long

this is exactly what i do. neosporin works really well for me.

[Fedace]

Scrape off the hard callous and put a bandage over it. mine heals in 3 days. if it cracks open in the match, put a waterproof bandaid on it Before the match. It will affect your feel but not as bad. i could play a match with the bandaid on.

[coachjb2u]

I have the same exact issue. In fact, that could be a picture of my own thumb. Polysporen works to help it heal. If you're like me, you can't just stop playing to let it heal because I play in 3 different leagues and have to play. Mine has to heal while i play so I use the white athletic tape like the trainers for my high school football team used to tape up ankles. I tear it into strips about ½ inch wide and about 8" long, and wrap it around the callus when I have to play. If you've ever seen Nadal's left hand you'll see most of his fingers and thumb are usually taped when he plays too. The athletic tape stays in place pretty well even when you are sweating.
If you know anyone who sells Melaluca products, there's a hand lotion called Renew that's helpful in preventing the callus from cracking. Mine only cracks now when I forget to use this cream.

[Chas Tennis]

Originally Posted by EKnee08

Great advice! Cotton gloves with cream or vaseline will help. The cotton gloves are sold at any drugstore or mom and pop pharmacy. As the weather gets colder and dryer, this problem can worsen. So, ot only for the cracking but for sinus and respiratory health, during the winter you should use a cool mist humidifer.

I had this same problem for 20 years and not just on my thumb because I also swimmed on a daily basis and the chlorine magnified the problem. The key with the cracking and/or eczema is to keep the area dry. I stopped swimming and the condition went away with the following additional steps!
My internist who had the same problem advised me to wear surgical latex gloves without powder when showering held with rubber bands on my wrist so as to not get any water on my hands. In addition, I was advised to and used used Cetaphil Daily Cleanser as my hand soap rather than regular soap. Cetaphil can be used with or without water to clean/ wash your hands. When the cracking is bad, you can use the cetaphil without water. Apply the cetaphil to your hands and rub them together. Remove the excess with a paper towel. Instructions are on the bottle. Cetaphil also acts as a softener/moisturizer.

After a very short time, the cracking disappeared. It has never really returned.

I now use cetaphil as my regular hand soap with water. At the first sign of cracking, I use the cetaphil without soap. However, I have never had the problem again.

I have eczema on two fingers. Dry skin and a few cracks. It is an allergic type condition and is not contagious. The Dr examined scrapings under a microscope and diagnosed eczema. At first it came and went but it does not go away for long now.

I believe that Vaseline in gloves at night would help as it did at first. But I had a hard time finding gloves that would contain the grease. Vaseline attacks rubber. Any recommendations? I also found it too difficult to live without getting my hands wet.

I do not believe that mine will go away............but I'm very interested in the replies.