man with dry hands

My boyfriend is going through a problem with his hands being really
dry, cracking, peeling (even on the fingertips in the lines of his
fingerprints and in the palms of his hands), cuticles are bleeding, and
he's just generally in a lot of pain. He plays guitar, and right now,
he can't play for five minutes without his fingers bleeding.
He said this happens in the fall and spring. He refuses any kind of
lotion, stating that it's too greasy (men and their hatred for lotion,
I don't understand). I don't know what to do for him! Does anyone have
some suggestions besides lotion, like soaking his hands in something,
etc. I am open to all suggestions!
Please help! Thanks!

> men and their hatred for lotion, I don't understand

I'm with you there. My husband will put on Chapstick for five minutes
when his lips are really dry and then wipe it off.

I can suggest an emollient cleanser to wash his hands in. It's goopy,
but it cleans his hands, and rinses off with rubbing, so there should
be no greasiness after he's done. And, the good part is that it has
emollients to help his skin soften. I've found some hand emollient
cleanser at Bath and Body Works-- C.O. Bigelow:

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2095292&cp...73251.2


Good luck to him!