I won't even post a photo of what my fingertips looked like after a week of sub-freezing camping -- suffice it to say that my thumbs and index fingers were cracked, bleeding, and painful. This problem almost always occurs when boondocking in cold weather, more so than campground camping -- boondocking seemingly involves many more outdoor chores, filling the water tank, dealing with the batteries and the solar panel, etc.I have tried wearing gloves, but I have to take them off when doing almost anything requiring dexterity. Plus, the gloves get soaked in wet or snowy weather, which is a pretty common occurrence. Hand creams don't really do much. I have tried surgical tape -- it gets wet, and it leaves a sticky residue.So that is my question -- is there a solution to this, or do I just put up with it?

Okeeffe's Working HandsIt's good stuff and it works. You don't need to use a lot, just a thin layer.Try it, I think you will like it.

As someone who grew up in the foothills of Alberta, where winters are fiercely windy, dry and cold, I'd suggest trying bag balm. Originally developed for cow udders, it's been a rancher -approved remedy for their dry cracked fingers forever.

Get a box of rubber latex gloves, like in a doctor's office. At least they will keep your hands dry and not wet. Plus, they are disposable. A box of 100 costs about $10 at Wall Mart in the health care section. They are great to wear under gloves, or when gloves are just too bulky.Use Neutrogena hand cream.

guthriez wrote:As someone who grew up in the foothills of Alberta, where winters are fiercely windy, dry and cold, I'd suggest trying bag balm. Originally developed for cow udders, it's been a rancher -approved remedy for their dry cracked fingers forever.+1 on bag balm. It's a well kept secret, apparently.

How to avoid the dreaded "boondocker's fingertips?"

derouen6
Explorer
Jan 09, 2016
Boudreaux's Butt Paste. Really. Google it.
eichacsj
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
Bag Balm for all (non stitch) cuts, though you can use super glue if you need to keep working and not go for stitches.

Cut my finger on the table saw once, I washed best I could, flipped the skin back over, a dab of supper glue and went back to work. Bag Balm at night and after that to help the healing.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jan 06, 2016
I udderly enjoy those t--- and these tips. If that was not bad enough, click on "How I spend the winter" below.:B
4runnerguy
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
Latex gloves are great when you need some dexterity with what you are doing. While Wally World sells lightweight ones in their pharmacy department, there are thicker ones that last much longer. Check auto parts stores or order on line. I use them when working on the car, as my hands don't get saturated with oil and grease. Plus the latex gives good grip.
LenSatic
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
profdant139 wrote:
I checked into the superglue suggestion, and apparently it works! I gotta give that a try, too.

The Super Glue works once you have cracking. To avoid using it (and it's toxicity) I'd combine a couple of the above advice methods. When driving to your destination (assuming just a few hours) use the Udder Balm and put latex or vinyl gloves over them. And, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Once you are were you are going, you can Udder Balm your hands occasionally and wear regular winter leather gloves. And, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

As a teenager on the ranch in the OK Panhandle, I just used Udder Balm every morning and wore leather work gloves the rest of the day, but my skin was younger and more supple back them. :D

LS
profdant139
Explorer II
Jan 06, 2016
I checked into the superglue suggestion, and apparently it works! I gotta give that a try, too. One piece of advice, though -- duct tape is not a permanent solution. Don't ask me how I know that.
frizzen
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
Can you still get Corn Huskers lotion? Good stuff
LenSatic
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
profdant139 wrote:
Len, that picture does not even show her non-chapped fingertips, which is the subject of this thread, as you may recall.

Oops, sorry Dan. I must have gotten distracted in my search. ;)

LS
pigman1
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
Bag Balm or Udder Cream. When we weren't using it on the cows, we were using it on the grandkids bottoms. Nothing better. Just don't use too much.
SteveAE
Explorer
Jan 06, 2016
gbopp wrote:
Okeeffe's Working Hands

It's good stuff and it works. You don't need to use a lot, just a thin layer.
Try it, I think you will like it.

Bag balm and similar will leave your hands greasy for hours.

Working hands cream (developed here in Central Oregon and sold locally for several years before it went national) is great if used before your hands get too bad.

Once your hands crack, try using super glue (I prefer the liquid rather than the jell) in the cracks. Spread the crack open, drop in a drop or two, and squeeze the crack together. The pain will go away in about 5 seconds. It is in all our first aid kits.