Finger Nail/skin Issues.....?

for a while now ive had some issues with my thumbs...dry skin, and as of recently, is really started to hurt. My gf suggested to post here, so i am...I took some picture to let you guys see. Its somewhat "gross" for some...but yeah. If i could get some background about what i have, what to use, who to see. Would be lovely....

http://tinypic.com/r/ofbs4m/5

http://tinypic.com/r/23tmip/5


thanks in advance. tomorrow i will be going to the doctors, but going in with some knowledge would be nice.