In a sure sign that our home is way too dry, my wife and I have contracted a bad case of winter thumb crackage. You know what I'm talking about, your fingers get dry, the skin cracks and on a thumb, especially, it hurts like hell.

We've tried a few humidifiers, both have been worthless and too loud for regular use. We use lotions, wraps and other random ointments. Nothing works. The thumbs crack, we hurt and it's just not fun. Using the remote, the Blackberry, even zipping up a coat become painful chores. I know, cry me a river. But, seriously, it's painful. Especially the throbbing.

What's the cure? Time and good use of Band-Aids, we've found. Some have suggested paraffin dips for our hands. That's a bit girly for me, but my wife tried it and it worked for a while. But, as you'll see in the photo above, her thumb is now back in prime winter cracked skin mode.

Help us. Do you have a cure, a suggestion? Our thumbs need you.