Nail Biting

Ah_Yeah

I have naturally dry skin and it cracks often. Additionally, when I'm stressed/anxious I have a tendency to bite my nails and pick at my skin (I know,I know,it's awful) - which is making the situation worse.

I'm trying to stop, so getting a full set of nails on to prevent me biting - I find whenever I'm proud of my nails/how they look, I tend not to bite them.

I've also heard using cuticle cream can help prevent biting - can anyone recommend something like this? Need it to go on my fingers too.

Finally,has anyone got any home remedies to soothe my cracked hands? I use Neutrogena hand cream regularly, but anything I can soak my hands in to help soften them?

dee_mc

I feel your pain - I get cracked, dry skin on my hands too. I think the damp air in Ireland makes things even worse.
When my hands and cuticles are in bits I smother them in emulsifying ointment or Silcock's Base (both cheap, can be bought in any chemist) and put on cotton gloves, and leave them on overnight. Works on your feet too.
Other than that, the best thing I've found to soften cracked and sore cuticles is Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Protection cream. It's a fantastic moisturiser but it's also immediately soothing, which is great when your hands are actually sore. It's quite expensive but a little goes a very long way, and the tube is quite small so it's ideal to carry around in your handbag.
Have a think about what sort of soap (and shower gel) you're using - something mild and natural is important - and make sure to dry your hands thoroughly every time you wash them, as dampness seems to irritate dry skin really badly. I change towels at home daily or even more often when my hands are bad. Try not to plunge your hands into very hot water - use latex free rubber gloves when washing up etc and keep the temperature down a bit in the shower and when washing your hands.