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fraxinus
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I used to have issues with skin allergies, dermatitis,whatever you want to call it, the skin in my hands would dry and crack. Hydrocortisone Cream dies a good job of "repairing" things like that. Also takes the edge off of bug bites and stings. I'd still recommend using some kind of moisturizing lotion. Good stuff, you can buy a 1% strength cream over the counter, or a stronger mix with a prescription.; Good stuff
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Argo
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It's probably worth mentioning that part of the problem could be dehydration. I know many will swear that they aren't dehydrated. It's hard to tell. You're in a different environment from what you're used to. Working harder, perspiring more. No doubt that same environment is harder on the hands and is washing away your natural protection at a higher rate. Then there's that false sense of hydration you get from being surrounded by water all of the time.
All of the previous posts talk about treating the symptoms. At least make sure you're well hydrated to begin with.
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straighthairedcurly
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It also helps to keep a light pair of cotton stretchy gloves handy for night time. Put a lot of lotion/balm on (lanolin products are the best) and then the gloves and wear them overnight. This was the key for my husband during the winter...he is an auto mechanic.
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Blatz
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O'Keefs
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Banksiana
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Bring a pair of deer skin or goat skin work gloves and be religious in using them around the fire, processing wood or handling a stove. Very fine particles (soot, ash, dirt around the fire pit) are extremely disruptive to your skin. Since adopting rigorous glove use for such circumstances I have not had any issues. Previously I had cracking and chapping that I considered returning early from a 10 day trip.
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OCDave
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HighnDry: " Bag Balm.
It comes in smaller sizes if you need them."
I have never used either but I seems wrong to endorse Bag Balm without considering Udder Butter.
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egknuti
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I've found that handling fish is the source of my dry hands. If I don't remove the slime, my hands tend to get very dry. I bring a small towel to wash off the slime, and this seems to have solved the problem.
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deerfoot
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GREAT advice from both Argo and straighthairedcurly.
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bhouse46
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Different hands, different solutions. Gloves when paddling and doing camp chores helps a lot as does staying hydrated. I like the deerskin over cotton for the relaxing time in the evening or morning before breaking camp. Wash hands well in warm water then dry and apply lotion then gloves. I have tried all the mentioned products ultimately settling with Original Udder Balm. I used to get it at farm supply but now order from the big "A" in the 64 oz jar and transfer to their 16 oz pump for home use. Absorbs nicely and not greasy. Comes scented or unscented.
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A1t2o
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Gloves. I used to have issues with my hands so I started wearing gloves for all the activities that tended to cause damage. I have some sailing gloves that I use for paddling that leave my fingertips exposed, which works great for fishing. I also have some mechanics gloves I use for wood processing and around the fire.
With the gloves, blisters, burns, cuts, and splinters are not nearly as big of an issue anymore and I have also noticed that the skin on my hands in general is healthier, less stressed out. Most hand creams are about repairing damage, personally I like to prevent the damage in the first place.
@egknuti - I do this as well. I've always brought a fish towel just for the slime because I don't like getting the slime on everything else. Never considered how it would dry out my hands though.
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Gunwhale
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Clean white cotton gloves and Bag Balm before bed work best for me as does keeping your hands as clean as possible. YMMV.
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Swampturtle
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My first week long trip to the BW all the guys were using my lotion…
I use gold bond healing lotion daily on trips for regular dry hands. They make it in a few smaller travel sizes which is convenient. For dry cracking skin on fingers & heels I use pure lanolin from a local llama farm. A little goes a long way, it can be a bit greasy until it soaks in, best applied before bedtime with socks or gloves as mentioned. I also carry triple antibiotic ointment with pain relief.
After finding lanolin I have prevented the cracking from happening in the first place, which is like a miracle. With my job, I’ve had to figure out how to keep my hands from falling apart. Bag balm, which was mentioned, is also very good.
Long island livestock pure lanolin
You can also find lanolin on Etsy.
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TrailZen
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I have the dry hands/cracking skin issue when paddling and when playing mechanic or doing home maintenance. Lotions didn't help, but my daughter (who lives in Colorado's cold dry air) sent me a tub of O'Keeffe's Working Hands. . Just used it after cleaning/lubing our mountain bike chains. As long as I use it when I suspect I might need it, I don't get the finger- and thumb-tip cracks and scaling from dry skin.
TZ
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Mocha
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Have used corn buskers lotion religiously. Sometimes put lotion on hands and wear cotton sock while sleeping
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jwmiller39
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My hands get extremely dry while on longer trips from repeated dipping in water, fishing, firewood prep, and all the other backwoods duties. Regular lotion doesn't seem to cut it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a dry hand remedy for camping? My finger tips especially get dry and cracked.
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sns
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jwmiller39: "My hands get extremely dry while on longer trips from repeated dipping in water, fishing, firewood prep, and all the other backwoods duties. Regular lotion doesn't seem to cut it. Does anyone have any recommendations for a dry hand remedy for camping? My finger tips especially get dry and cracked. "
Following; suffer similarly. I had 7 of 10 fingertips bandaged at one point on my trip. Not fun!
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YardstickAngler
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This totally happened to me on my six day solo and I was surprised! Also following.
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merlyn
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Unlined deer skin gloves, not sure why but it works. Superglue the cuts closed, works better than Newskin.
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tumblehome
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Reminds me of the time on a trip where my brother had such dry skin on his hands he developed a deep crack in the skin on his thumb. It was crippling.
I think frequent use of a good skin lotion would not hurt. Agree that lotion on the feet with socks is a lifesaver. Not sure about those hands though.
Tom
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RTurner
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HighnDry: " Bag Balm.
It comes in smaller sizes if you need them."
Ding Ding Ding! I used to build stone walls and brick walks for a living.
This is the greatest stuff
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Freddy
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The wife uses Eucerin creme which has really helped her.
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HighnDry
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Bag Balm.
It comes in smaller sizes if you need them.
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