Mim, I have had this problem most of my life, however until I started hand quilting it was mild...now...it is awful..I have tried two products: Nailtique, get it at some beauty shops the other one is a nail product by Revlon you can get it at Target and perhaps Walmart or drug store...good luck...I keep my nails really short when I am quilting..even handling the materials when appliquing and piecing does take its toll...my finger tips break open and bleed also...quilting is worth it and I use a ton of lotions. memepeggy