Dry, Cracked Hands

Why hands dry out so easily

Hands are in contact with water, soap, cleaning products and the weather more than almost any other part of the body. The outer layer of skin acts as a barrier, held together by natural oils and fats between the skin cells, together with substances that attract water. Every time you wash, some of those oils are removed. If the skin is not given time or help to recover, it becomes dry, rough and tight.

The backs of the hands have fewer oil glands than the face, and the skin there is thin, so it loses moisture quickly. Knuckles and finger joints bend constantly, which makes dry skin there prone to splitting. The idea of the skin barrier is central: once it is weakened, water escapes more easily, irritants get in more easily and the skin becomes sore.

What contributes

• Frequent hand washing. This is the main factor for many people, such as parents of young children, cooks, cleaners and healthcare workers. Washing is important for hygiene, so the goal is to wash well while limiting damage, not to wash less when it matters.
• Hot water. Hot water dissolves skin oils more readily than lukewarm water.
• Strong cleansers. Some soaps and detergents are harsher than others. Fragranced or highly foaming products can be especially drying for some people.
• Wet work. Repeated contact with water, even without soap, softens and then dries the skin as it evaporates.
• Cold, dry air. Cold outdoor air and heated indoor air both lower humidity, and hands are often the first place winter skin care problems show up.
• Not drying properly. Damp skin that is left exposed can chap, especially in cold air.
• Skin conditions. People with eczema basics concerns, a tendency to allergies or a history of dermatitis often find that their hands are the first to flare.

Gentle habits that generally help

1. Use lukewarm water. It cleans well without stripping as much oil.
2. Choose a mild, unfragranced cleanser when you need soap, and use a small amount. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Pat dry. Rubbing with a rough towel irritates cracked skin. Dry between the fingers as well.
4. Moisturize after washing, when practical. Applying cream while the skin is still slightly damp helps hold water in. Carrying a small tube means you can do this at work or school. Moisturizing after each wash may not be realistic, so aim for the times you can manage, plus a generous layer before bed.
5. Use gloves for wet or chemical tasks. Waterproof gloves for washing dishes or cleaning protect hands from detergents. Cotton liners can help if gloves make your hands sweat. Make sure gloves are dry inside. Warm gloves also protect against cold air.
6. Be careful with rings. Moisture and soap can get trapped beneath rings and irritate the skin there. Removing the ring when washing and drying beneath it can help.

Choosing a hand moisturizer

Hand products come in lotions, creams and ointments. In general, thicker products contain more oils and less water and tend to be more protective, though they may feel greasier. The difference between body lotion and thicker creams applies here too.

Ingredients commonly seen in hand creams include:

• Humectants such as glycerin, which attract water into the skin. A glycerin humectant is a very common ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is another, though it works best when sealed in with something richer.
• Emollients that soften and smooth the skin.
• Occlusives such as petrolatum or waxes, which form a layer to slow water loss.
• Barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides.

Understanding humectants emollients and occlusives can help you pick a product. Many people prefer a lighter cream for daytime and a thicker, richer one for overnight. Fragrance sensitivity is a common cause of reactions on the hands, so an unscented option is often a safe choice, and patch testing a new product on a small area first can be sensible if your skin is reactive.

A nighttime routine many people use: wash and dry, apply a thick layer of cream or ointment, and wear thin cotton gloves while sleeping. This is simple, though not essential, and results vary.

Already cracked

Small cracks can sting and are easy to reopen when the hands bend. In general:

• Keep the skin as protected as possible by moisturizing often and avoiding irritants.
• Avoid picking at peeling skin, since this can create more splits.
• Avoid hot water, strongly scented products and exfoliating products on open cracks. Chemical exfoliants and alcohol-based products tend to sting on broken skin.
• Some people find that gentle occlusive products such as petrolatum-based ointments help splits stay protected while they heal. Others may like liquid bandage or similar products designed for fingertips, though it is wise to read the directions.

Healing can take days to weeks, and relapse is common if the cause continues.

When to see a professional

Dry hands are usually a nuisance rather than a medical problem, but ask for advice if:

• Cracks are deep, bleeding or very painful
• You see signs of infection such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, pus or fever
• There are small blisters, intense itching or weeping, which can point to contact dermatitis or hand eczema
• The problem is not improving after a couple of weeks of consistent care
• It interferes with work or sleep, or you suspect a product or work material is the trigger

A doctor or dermatologist can look at whether an allergy, eczema or another condition is involved and suggest suitable treatment. This is general information and not medical advice.