I have an old book on quilting which was written by a lady doctor who quilts, Susan Delaney Mech, M.D. Her formula is equal parts A&D ointment, Bacitracin Ointment, and cuticle cream. I was miserable last winter trying to finish a quilt. My thumbs cracked and bled. Tried this every night before bed and each morning when I finished my bath. It has been great! Smells yukky, but not for long. by the way, the title of the book is RX for Quilters.