I get dry hands and skin at this time of year. They're dry now, but I've been using lotion. They crack, and yes, hurt when I bend my fingers where those cracks are. I put on lotion during the day, and put extra on before I go to bed. Putting lotion on and then cotton (should be cotton!) gloves is recommended by a lot of beauty specialists, because it leaves your hands all soft. You can do this for your feet, too.

If they're really bad, it may take a few days as they heal. I've found that Gold Bond Extra Strength lotion is really good. It also feels kind of minty (sort of like Icy Hot, but not as intense), cooling, after you put it on.

Oh, yeah, and here's a tip I discovered: If you're out in the cold or dry wind, and your hands are dry and cracking, especially if you don't have gloves, if you have some Chapstick, rub some of that over the cracked areas and sensitive areas. It helps, in a pinch.