I am bothered by dry, cracked areas around my thumbs when I handle material and do needlework. I know I need to use lotion to help prevent this from happening.But what do you recommend when it does happen?
I hope it is ok to post here....related to quilting. (grin)

I use a balm called Truckers Friend. You can buy it at truck stops and it works quickly and very well. Cheap, too.

There was a great thread about this not too long ago. Go to search at the top of the page and put in lotions.

I use surgeons secret..QVC, i believe they sell it in stores now.

I use baby lotion most of time but when they get really bad (cracked till they bleed) I use AmLactin....its kindy pricy but works very well and last a long time.

I also use Surgeon's Skin Secret, it's a balm so I like to apply it at night, it also works really well for dry cracked heels. During the day I like to use Gold Bond and Suave Hand Lotion with oatmeal. My son's dermatologist recommended AmLactin, but it contains lactic acid (I believe)so it stings! when applied to cracked skin and it is pricey.

It may sound odd, but I put superglue right over the cracks in my hands. It's just a little tad, enough to cover up the crack. It helps it heal soooo much faster! Within 24 hours for me. Plus, it helps them to not hurt so much. I also use Curel Natural Healing lotion. It has a nice weight and a nice, subtle smell.

Bag Balm is suppose to be really good for this, I have some but have yet to try it for that. My hands get soo dry when I work alot because I work at a hospital and I am constantly washing my hands, my fingers will crack and peel all the way down to my knuckles.

I like utter cream from hancock. It is used for cows teets. Not greasy at all, only takes a pea sized, and you can handle fabric right away too.

I use something called Creamy Petroleum Jelly by Personal Care. It comes in a 4.5 oz tube and is sold at the Dollar Store for just $1. I have a tube of it in every room of my house. It is not greasy and absorbs quickly. I even use it on my face. I have chronic dry skin and an autoimmune disease that makes my skin extremely sensative. It is usually in the section of the store where they sell the baby products. I use it on my hands even when I am handquilting. I have never had a problem with it leaving a stain.