When I take a break, I put some Eucerin on my finger tips and put them in plastic gloves for an hour or so. I hate wearing them, too, but if I am watching tv chillin it gives me something to do. I'm always rubbing the finger tips. I do this after I've used harsh cleansers, too. My daughter uses chap stick, she calls it waxing those cracks so they can't get bigger. Hope you find your answers. Blessings, Ruth