Reader Feedback on "Take a Crack at Healing Fingertip Fissures"

In response to "Take a Crack at Healing Fingertip Fissures" (March 2009, CONSULTANT): Petroleum jelly is a barrier not a moisturizer. More appropriate advice may be to substitute Crisco or its equivalent (non-butter flavor) as shortening is an excellent moisturizer/emollient. I have my patients use Crisco, and I recommend this for all my diabetic patients to use on their feet, especially their heels, on a daily basis and their hands on a PRN basis.

-- Penny Flavin, FNP-BC
         Olmsted Medical Center
         Pine Island, Minn

When cracks are particularly painful, a touch of super glue stops the pain and seems to enhance healing. No official study, just a frequent user when playing golf in the winter and working outdoors.

-- Lana Cunningham, RN, FNP-C
         Abilene, Texas