Slits & Cracks

There is no mistaking the signs of chapping and cracks that are very slow to heal. Not only lips, but the whole face, the hands and sometimes even the heels, soles and other parts of the body may be affected.
In certain individuals this condition of deep cuts and rough leathery skin, specially on the palms and the feet, is congenital. It has nothing to do with their occupation or the environment.
Symptoms
At the onset there may be unusual dryness of the palms and soles, but often there is enough excess moisture which may occur intermittently during the course of the disease. After a certain variable period the involved surface appear firm, leathery, thickened, horn and moderately smooth, like sole leather or the surface may be seamed, fissured, uneven or worm eaten in appearance.
Treatment
Petroleum  This is indicated when there are painful cracks in the heels, fingers and palms. There is severe itching and burning. The cracks bleeds easily and are worsen in winter. Petroleum, 30 c potency five pills four times a day, is the remedy.
Graphites  It is indicated when the skin is hard and very rough to the touch. It looks extremely unhealthy and dirty with glutinous, honey like fluid oozing out. The skin around the toes, nails and fingertips is more prone to cracks. The nails become blackish because of regular cracks on the tips of the toes and fingers. Graphites 30,  c potency five pills four times a day.
External application
Calendula mother tincture added to jelly in the proportion of 10 parts of jelly to 1 part of Calendula is the best remedy. Or purchase Cale ointment. Apply this ointment lightly twice a day.
Rhux tox  Irritation of the skin with tingling and burning. Crawling sensation in the tips of fingers. Skin red and swollen. Worse in cold, wet and rainy season.
Silicia  Delicate pale waxy skin. Cracks at the end of fingers, pus offensive. Fingers feel dry. Eruptions itch only in day time and evening. The patient is cold, chilly, hugs the fire, hates droughts, hands and feet cold. Siliceia 12 x three tablets three times daily.
Sulphur Rhoades, skin affections after local medication. Worse scratching and washing, skin dry, scaly and unhealthy, itches and burns. Hot sweaty hands. Sleep light, waken easily. Sulphur 30 c potency five pills three times daily.
Nat mur Dryness and cracking about finger nails. Palms hot and perspiring. Liable to take cold. Great weakness and weariness. Irritable over trifles. Consolation aggravates. Greasy skin. Nat mur 30 c potency five pills four times a day.
Alumina silicate Hands constantly chapped, coldness of hands, coldness of legs and feet, hands cold as ice and fingers blue. Nails Brittle. Alumina sil 30 c potency five pills three times daily.