>This has been a real problem for me as a pianist. Those splits hurt >when playing. Having seen several far-too-diligent pianists use NewSkin on split calluses, I keep a bottle handy for them in case they need it. Smells like bananas and lacquer. The bottle calls it "liquid bandage." It's very good for hangnails, keeps them from constantly fraying further up your finger. For small cuts, I use elastic cloth bandaids, with gel squeezed from an aloe vera plant on the gauze part. I leave one on until it gets dirty or the shower loosens it, then put a fresh one on. They are flexible and cushioning but they stay put well enough that I can play cello with one on. I never ignore cracks or cuts, especially on my left hand. I leave them wrapped up until they are entirely better. One summer I was experimenting with amino acids (trying to lose weight) and (I hope I have this frontwards instead of backwards) I had a terrible time with split corners on my fingers while I was taking arginine, then I changed to lysine and they healed within a day. My hay fever got much worse, though ... anyway, if your fingers and calluses are always splitting, you might try taking some lysine and see if it helps. Also good for cold sores. Susan Kline OSU, Corvallis
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC