The weather has gotten cold and wintry here in the Philadelphia area. That means dry skin. Our skin can get so dry and dehydrated in the cold winter air, that it can split open and feel like a paper cut. Splits in the fingertips hurt and make it hard to do everyday tasks. Plus, any openings in the skin allow germs to enter in which can cause an infection. My clients have been coming in with super dry skin and splits in their fingertips. The l ack of humidity in the outside air and the dry heated air inside buildings, exposure to water, exposure to strong chemicals like nail polish remover and cleaning products are the perfect recipe for dehydrated skin that can lead to splits. We have to take extra care to prevent the dryness that can lead to splits. For instance, I have to protect my thumb while removing the polish from my client's nails to prevent the skin on my thumb from splitting. Working with paper, clay, fabric and clothing also causes dehydration. Those material