Thumbsuker!

Hi Try using the lacating cream for cracked nipples. I am unsure what the name is all I remember is that it starts with a l. You could call babies r us and ask them what the name is as I have seen it in the nursing isle. My son had the same problem. Good luck B.

Hi RJ
I cook with coconut oil & it does wonders for my skin as well. Your daughter is at an age where she is going to suck her thumb, so I would rub cooking grade coconut oil on it. I buy mine from Whole Foods in the nutrition dept. it comes in a black plastic container.

Hi RJ, a couple suggestions for skin softeners that are 1. edible and 2. child safe. My first recommendation is jojoba oil. You can find this at any healthfood store. I use it myself and on both my boys (3 & 18mos). Easier on the budget is any food grade oil - olive is nice. Try massaging it in lightly after soaking the hand in warm water. Maybe even putting socks on after for 15 minutes or so to help it absorb into her skin instead of her mouth. Oil does get everywhere. Honey is a wonderful moisturizer, but not appropriate for any child under 2(?) I think.
You have two different issues here. One is the thumb sucking, and the other is the skin. I personally sucked my thumb until I was eleven. And I have chronic eczema. My sons have inherited my skin and we're working on weaning the oldest from his pacifier. When you're all ready, I would strongly recommend weaning her from the thumb. It is so hard, but ultimately worth it. If it takes 21 days to make a habit, then it can take 21 days to break the same habit. My pediatric orthopedist had my parents buy a bottle of "thumb." It tastes awful! For week 1: apply 'thumb', a band-aid and a sock over the hand. Week 2: just the band-aid and 'thumb'. Week 3: just 'thumb.' I'll get off my soap-box now.
CRose

Hello, My baby girl 15 months loves to suck her thumb too. It is only when she's tired so it's not dry. HOWEVER I have an 8 year old who picks at his nails and fingers when they get winter dryness till they are a MESS. My best tip is sneak in EVERY night when they are asleep and rub some bacitracin on any dry boo-boo areas, ointment, so it doesn't get a staph infection.. It will be gone by time she's awake to suck again. I also go in every night and rub A&D or vaseline on their dry lips and rub a big gob on their hands (its the nurse in me!). It heals it all within a week and then keeps it that way. Been doing this for a few years now for scars, dry skin picked nails etc..try A&D in the day time just a smidge a few times till it's getting better. You'll be all set! :)
No bandaids, just rub in the oinment

You could try some pure lanolin. I used it on the ol' nipples when I was nursing- due to cracking and bleeding. It's 100% non toxic and might soften it and form a little shield from her saliva. I believe the one I used is called Lanosil- but don't quote me cause it's been two years!

Have you tried Lansinoh (sp?) It's the stuff you use for cracked nipples when you nurse. I use it for chapped lips and cheeks in the winter, and for minor burns, scrapes, etc. It's safe for her to put in her mouth. Aquaphor does the same thing, but I'm not as sure about ingesting it! Maybe you could use it as a tool to help her stop sucking too, reminding her whenever you see her thumb in there that is what hurts her thumb and ask her to remove it. Just a thought!

I put Lansinoh on my baby's thumb. She also eventually sucks it off, but it has reduced cracking and redness. As Lansinoh is made for sore nipples and the instructions say it does not need to be removed before feeding, I assume it is safe to put on her thumb. Good luck.

my child sucked her thumb until 7! this really works on an older child try it with yours at bed time or nap time. use a small piece of carpeting, pile side close to skin, roll around thumb sucking arm so elbow can not bend, secure with duck tape. in other words, make a cast out of carpet. put child to bed.
they can not reach thumb. my child was older and i could reason with her. took two nights. also ask your pediatric dentist about story book about thumb sucking. this advise came to me from dentist. good luck. D