talking to the workman about…

The main problems I have with working on the house are my hands. They’ve entirely dried out, cracking and splitting, ingrained with dust and generally painful. Am wondering whether I can ask a plumber or plasterer how they cope with this and of what they’re skincare regime consists – but do not because (i) they may stop their work and run away (ii) they may hit me with their equally shot hands (iii) I’ve not actually noted whether their hands are in good or bad shape so do I want their advice anyway?