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sore fingers

Lynmi

Lynmi

Well-Known Member
Messages
139
Location
Kent
Type of diabetes
Type 1.5
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi

What has everyone found to be the best cream/ointment for helping with the hard skin build up on the side of the finger you test on. I try to stick to just 2 fingers but since starting on insulin and having to test so much more, they are getting really sore.
 
You shouldn't need to stick to two fingers @Lynmi The more fingers you use, the more rest each one has :)

I use every finger, both hands and both sides of the finger, but avoid my thumb. It may also help experimenting with the setting on your finger pricker.

For moisturising, I use any good quality hand cream :)
 
all fingers should be used to reduce this problem but i have to cofess i also use the same two and yes they are very sore
 
I wouldn't like to imagine what my fingers would be like if I was only using 2 @Lynmi :eek:

I usually rotate fingers at each test (struggle most with my thumbs) and try to use a different hand each day to give the other a rest. My thumbs probably get tested the least as I find it really difficult to get enough blood out of them.
 
I test about seven times a day and I use one finger (not thumbs) each day - so that one poor finger gets pricked a lot but then gets seven days rest.
 
Hi @Lynmi. A few tips which might help.
As said rotate you fingers.
Ensure your finger pricker is set correctly ( no use drilling for oil when all you need is to plant some seedlings)
Warm/ wash your hands prior to testing.
Moisturise with cream ( cocoa butter I find good ).
Purchase a pumice stone to remove hard skin on a regular basis.
Change your lancet on a regular basis.
Fingers crossed ( bit of a pun ) things may improve.
 
Last edited:
Eucerin is good. It's got 5% urea in it which helps fight the build up of hard skin. I use the foot cream it's amazing.
 
I use surgical spirit it pretty cheap and it seems to harden the skin but i expect any good hand cream would do the same good luck.
 
linda_b said:
Eucerin is good. It's got 5% urea in it which helps fight the build up of hard skin. I use the foot cream it's amazing.
Click to expand...

Thanks I should have thought of that, I worked in farm supply's years ago and we all used the udder cream as hand cream lol
 
therower said:
Hi @Lynmi. A few tips which might help.
As said rotate you fingers.
Ensure your finger pricker is set correctly ( no use drilling for oil when all you need is to plant some seedlings)
Warm/ wash your hands prior to testing.
Moisturise with cream ( cocoa butter I find good ).
Purchase a pumice stone to remove hard skin on a regular basis.
Change your lancet on a regular basis.
Fingers crossed ( bit of a pun ) things may improve.
Click to expand...

I do do most of that, and file the skin down when I do my nail's but must confess I'm not good at changing the lancet, I'll make more effort thank
 
I use a decent shea butter moisturiser all over, after my shower, and just make sure my hands get their share as I finish up.

If I want to "see off" any build up is thickening skin, or any dry skin, I'll sometimes just put a little (less than 0.5 teaspoonful) of any cooking oil into a cupped palm, add a similar amount of granulated sugary (about the only thing it's used for in this house), and massage my hands, then wash with hand wash. You would be surprised how soft the hands are immediately thereafter. It's also a great way of cleaning the hands after gardening or any other really dirty jobs.
 
I'm surprised to read people struggle to use thumbs. I find mine give the best blood blob, hurt less, and I use them frequently.
 
I was told to never use my thumbs or the finger next to it. However I'm very guilty of using my little fingers the most. I use soap and glory hand cream. It's remembering when to use at a correct time. The times I've moisturised my hands then gone darn it i need to test my sugars. Vaseline on my feet overy night with socks on.
 
Type 1 for 35years, I am puzzled, why would you not use thumbs for testing???!!!. I use all my digits in rotation, the left side, centre and right side up to 7 times a day. No sore fingers... well most of the time anyway
 
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