Finger nail problems

[graypz]

Hi I'm new to sail net, didn't have much to say as there's so much to read here. However I need some advice. I do a bit of sailing off the Queensland coast in fairly warm conditions and use open finger gloves. After a couple of days sailing I start to get sore finger nail beds and sometimes infection on the edge of my nails. I end up with cracked skin and nails. Can anyone advise on how to prevent this? Would closed finger gloves be better?

[sailingdog]

Use a barrier cream to protect the skin and nails from the drying effects of the salt water.

[jimmalkin]

If memory serves me right from 12 years Downunder, barrier cream in Queensland off the Great Barrier Reef is generally accepted to be the frothy part of a yellow can (XXXX lager - the state's beer.)

[Hartley18]

Originally Posted by graypz

Hi I'm new to sail net, didn't have much to say as there's so much to read here. However I need some advice. I do a bit of sailing off the Queensland coast in fairly warm conditions and use open finger gloves. After a couple of days sailing I start to get sore finger nail beds and sometimes infection on the edge of my nails. I end up with cracked skin and nails. Can anyone advise on how to prevent this? Would closed finger gloves be better?

In my life I've done a fair bit of sailing in northern Queensland and what you're describing isn't normal and isn't caused by the gloves but by some kind of tropical fungus (name escapes me). Certainly closed finger gloves would make it worse.

Suggestion: Go and buy a brand-new pair of open-finger gloves and, before you go out each day, wash your hands really thoroughly in warm soapy water, towel dry, put a moisturising sunscreen on (hands, fingers and nails) and put the gloves on over that.

Try not to get your hands wet. If your gloves get wet - take them off and dry them out before putting them back on.

[poopdeckpappy]

I agree with Cameron, it's a fungus, if it's not too bad, soak your hands in vinagar when every you can, and coat your finger nail(s) with Vicks vapor rub ( help fight the fungus ) before you sail. moisture and enclosure is not good, so stay with open finger gloves

[graypz]

Thanks for your advice on this people - I have got myself some good barrier cream, but one finger isn't getting much better, looks like a trip to the doctors sooner rather than later.

[Hartley18]

Originally Posted by graypz

Thanks for your advice on this people - I have got myself some good barrier cream, but one finger isn't getting much better, looks like a trip to the doctors sooner rather than later.

There's an anti-fungal cream he'll probably give you - prescription only - that will fix it up pretty quickly.

Rest assured, it is nothing serious.

[sailingdog]

BTW, most treatments for Athelete's Foot will fix what is causing the problem now, since they're just broad spectrum anti-fungal medications.

[poopdeckpappy]

Tenicide is a over the counter medication, might try that also

[graypz]

Thanks to all for the kind advice. This did turn out to be an infection, but I found the best resolution after that was sorted, was to use a barrier cream every time my hands got wet. The vinegar...., well the pain was something I can do without!