Hi
I have been given a good treatment for mechanics hands by a dermatologist and some guidelines to help prevent the painful splitting of the skin on my fingers:
Haelan tape (steroid tape) worn on the splits overnight helps to heal
Dermovate cream (steroid cream) for the splits and roughness
To avoid getting soap/shampoos/detergents on hands, to use an emollient such as Diprobase instead of soap, and to wear gloves when shampooing/showering.
To put a generous layer of protective cream on before swimming, such as Doublebase
To avoid the alcohol gels on the skin, and if you need to use an anti bacterial, then Dermol 500 lotion is good.
A good handcream is Neutrogena glycerin based handcream.
To put tape, steroid cream on at night, allow steroid cream to soak in and then apply a generous layer of glycerin handcream and then wear cotton gloves over night.
Hope that helps anyone else with this painful and ugly symptom, i have seen a great improvement with my hands
Ali