Suggest Treatment For Severe Dryness On The Thumb And Forefingers

I'm having problems with the skin repeatedly peeling on my thumbs and fore fingers. It feels ragged and I can't help but try to buff it in the shower and then I start peeling the loose edges away. There is no rash or pain, until I peel it to deep. A few days later it starts again. I have tried putting cortizone cream and neosporin on them. .I started putting A and D Ointment all over my hands and wearing white gloves to bed. I have been on a diet and have lost 31 pounds. Could this have anything to do with it?