Dry hands are a common skin problem that is faced during winters. It’s not necessarily hazardous, but it can be really annoying.
The majority of the time, the environment is what causes dry hands. For instance, the weather may result in dry hands. Your hands’ skin can get dry due to repeated hand washing, chemical exposure, and several medical disorders.
Nevertheless, no matter the reason, there are a number of techniques to keep your hands hydrated. Find out what causes dryness in the first place, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.
What causes dry hands
Weather
Your skin is likely to grow dry throughout the winter. Hands can get dry due to climate changes, especially in cold weather without much humidity in the air. Less moisture in the air causes the skin to lose moisture.
Working environment
Dry hands might also be a result of workplace conditions. Those who work in professions that need frequent hand cleaning, like nurses, doctors, or teachers, may experience dried up hands. Workers in factories or salons may frequently be exposed to strong irritants or chemicals. These may also result in dry hands.
Medical issues
Some medical disorders can either cause red hands or increase the likelihood that someone will experience them more frequently. For instance, individuals with autoimmune diseases like diabetes or lupus may experience decreased hand blood flow. Their hands become more readily inflamed as a result. In addition to causing skin irritation, eczema and psoriasis can also result in dry hands, peeling skin, and cracked skin.
10 solutions to dry hands
Try some of the following methods to treat dry hands:
Hydrate
Several times each day, use a high-quality moisturising cream or lotion. Creams and lotions aid in replenishing moisture and sealing it back into the skin.
Put on gloves
Consider wearing a pair of gloves if your hands are constantly submerged in water, such as when cleaning dishes. Gloves assist keep your skin’s natural oils from being stripped away by the water.
Lessen tension
Although it may sound absurd, there may be a tenuous link between stress and eczema. In order to alleviate tension, take some time for self-care if you notice that your hands are acting strange due to the dry skin caused by eczema.
Take medicine
Medication may be required if your eczema is severe in order to give your skin a chance to heal. Your doctor might advise applying topical steroids to your skin or possibly taking an oral antibiotic.
Inquire about UV light therapy with your doctor
In some severe psoriasis cases, ultraviolet (UV) therapy can also assist the skin’s natural healing process. However, before attempting any type of UV therapy, you should see your doctor.
Take care of them overnight
One of the greatest ways to treat dry hands is to cover them in lotion or a petroleum-based moisturiser, like Vaseline, at night. After that, put on some soft gloves or stockings to protect your hands. If you trap the moisturiser, it will absorb more deeply into your skin, giving you baby-smooth hands when you wake up.
Request a prescription cream
Your doctor might suggest a specific lotion with lactic acid or urea for really dry and scaly skin. These components aid in removing the dry and scaly skin.
Apply hydrocortisone cream as needed
A disease known as dermatitis, in which the skin becomes inflamed and red, can sometimes worsen dry skin. A hydrocortisone-containing lotion may be the most beneficial in these circumstances. The inflamed skin can be soothed with hydrocortisone.
Apply a moist dressing
Before it can entirely mend, skin that has broken due to dryness will need to be treated. As your skin heals, your doctor might advise using a wet dressing.
Use a powerful moisturiser
Pick up a moisturiser designed originally for animals if you want a rich moisturiser. I mean, really! Skin can be deeply moisturised with products like Bag Balm, which was created to help repair the rough fissures in a cow’s udders.
Preventing dry hands
Consider taking a small bottle of lotion with you so you may reapply moisturiser throughout the day if your job’s conditions are causing your dry hands.
Look for moisturisers with the following ingredients:
Glycerin, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil Aloe
Speak with your manager about installing lotion pumps on the walls if you work in a place that demands frequent hand washing, such a hospital or restaurant. If they already exist, utilise them effectively.
You should also stay away from sources of extreme heat, including hand dryers. Similar to cold weather, heat can make skin even drier.
The conclusion
Dry hands are typically a regular aspect of life. With moisturiser, they are typically simple to treat. Seek medical help if home cures for dry hands don’t work or if you exhibit any other symptoms, such as bleeding or infection.