POLAR EXPLORER'S HANDS (CRACKING SKIN ON FINGERS)

The problem of painful cracks on the fingers, known in Anglo-Saxon literature as "polar hands," or in loose translation, the hands of a polar explorer, painfully announced its existence to me during a winter expedition to Nanga Parbat at the turn of 2006/2007. Three out of ten climbers, including myself, suffered from cracking skin on the tips of our fingers. Though a sore finger sounds like a school excuse, in the mountains, functional fingers sometimes determine safety.

These small and seemingly innocent wounds inexplicably attract all sharp edges, and their continuous damage causes them to deepen and fail to heal. Tying shoes, attaching crampons, setting up a tent, rope operations, preparing food, and other daily tasks performed by hands gradually become associated with pain. During the winter expedition to Nanga Parbat 2006/2007, I initially used a bandage without a dressing, which I wrapped around my fingertips, thus protecting myself and my companions from the worsening of the cracks.

The bandage was slowly running out, and its purpose was to dress more serious wounds, so I had to come up with something more effective. That’s when Tommy Heinrich – an Argentine photographer representing National Geographic, high-altitude paparazzi, and climbing companion, recalled a conversation he had with a doctor at the Everest base camp… but more on that in a moment.

CAUSES OF FORMATION

The exact cause of their formation is not fully understood.Environmental conditions may play a role.In high mountains, skin is exposed to low humidity, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high ultraviolet radiation. All of these factors can contribute to skin damage. The impact of high-altitude hypoxia, which reduces blood flow to the skin, is also significant. Poorly nourished skin is more susceptible to damage. One of the symptoms encountered at altitude is swelling located on the face, feet, and hands. The skin on swollen fingers is tense, thus more prone to cracking.

Scientific literature contains descriptions of painful cracks on the fingers of individuals who have spent long periods in Antarctica and the Andes.These wounds appear spontaneously in skin folds, natural creases, around the nails, and on the tips of the fingers.It has not been shown that injuries or infections are the cause of their formation. The cracks heal quickly and spontaneously, without leaving scars, after descending to lower and warmer altitudes.

HOW TO PREVENT THE FORMATION OF "POLAR HANDS"?

Hands should be protected from drying out by using greasy creams. Neutrogena is recommended here, as it has proven effective on Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak in winter. One should not expose hands directly to low temperatures – appropriate gloves, mittens, or mitts should be worn. To protect against UV radiation, it is advisable to use creams with high SPF.Proper acclimatization helps avoid swelling of the hands and may also promote less drastic changes in skin circulation.

HOW TO TREAT AN ALREADY FORMED PAINFUL CRACK?

Let’s return to Tommy’s conversation with the doctor at the Everest base camp. The "Everest" method for polar hands is a medical version of "super glue"!!! I tried it on myself, and it really works. In the Polish market, there was once glue available under the name Chirurkoll. Currently, the American version called Dermaband or GluStitch can be ordered online.I, however, for organizational and economic reasons, successfully used "super glue" on Nanga Parbat in winter, as well as "super glue" on Broad Peak in winter.Both products performed excellently.

Before applying the glue, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and it should not be bleeding. The glue is applied to the edges of the wound and held tightly together for at least 30 seconds. The glue should not be applied under pressure; the amount used must be controlled. Care should be taken not to accidentally glue other parts of the body.

Why glue?Glue protects against damage, thus reducing pain and speeding up healing. After 4-5 days, it falls off the skin, and in most cases, it needs to be reapplied. It is not recommended to use vitamin ointments or those containing petroleum on damaged skin, as they may weaken the properties of the glue.

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DO YOU WANT TO LEARNMORE?

If you want to better prepare yourself health-wise for trekking or high-altitude expeditions, you can find an expanded version of the guide in the ebook"High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training"High Altitude First Aid" >>- designed for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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The detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and the exact instructions for preparing the expedition first aid kit and personal rescue kit can be found in the ebook "Expedition First Aid Kit – Complete Medical Guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check if your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, it is worth consulting a medical consultation >> or expedition telemedicine package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare appropriately for the trip, and increase safety while at high altitudes.

07 March 2026

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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