Every day we use our hands to interact with the world around us. Through touch, our hands let us know when a pan is hot or if our drink is ice cold. But if your hands are dry and cracked, they’re probably telling you something else: they need help!
If left untreated, dry skin on the hands can become red and may peel or start to crack. Cracked hands or fingers can make typical day-to-day tasks, like getting dressed or using your phone, very uncomfortable.
Find out what causes dry, cracked hands, how you can soothe them with Aquaphor, and how to prevent symptoms developing by properly protecting your hands.
What causes dry, cracked hands and cuticles?
Dry, cracked hands can be caused by several factors, so it’s important to identify the cause to help prevent them, and when it does occur, how to treat them. Here are a few common causes:
- Frequent handwashing: We all know the importance of hand hygiene. Unless you moisturize regularly after using hot water and cleanser, your hands can dry out quickly.
- Weather: Dry air—which is problematic no matter the season—can wick moisture away from your hands. Wear gloves to help protect hands from the cold, drying air.
- Harsh irritants: Whether at work or at home, exposure to certain chemicals (like cleaners or alcohol-based hand sanitizers) can be tough on your skin. Ensure you always wear gloves when washing dishes by hand. Remember to moisturize after using hand sanitizers.
- Aging: As you age you may notice your hands become drier, making them more susceptible to cracking. Oil production in our skin reduces as we get older, leaving skin less flexible or supple.
- Dermatitis: Also known as eczema, atopic dermatitis is a condition that damages the skin barrier function and causes dryness, redness and irritation. Speak to a dermatologist to determine if dry, cracked skin is due to eczema and to obtain guidance on treating and managing hand eczema.
- Psoriasis: Palmoplantar psoriasis appears on the hands or soles of the feet, causing scaly plaques that can crack. Speak to a dermatologist to determine if dry, scaly skin is due to psoriasis and to obtain guidance on treating and managing hand psoriasis. Speak to a dermatologist to get treatment for psoriasis.
If you are concerned or unsure what may be causing your hands to become dry, chapped or cracked, speak to a dermatologist.
How to help heal dry, cracked hands
To help soothe dry, cracked hands, you should use a protective cream or ointment multiple times per day to help protect from external irritants and add moisture back to skin. Try leaving a tube or jar next to the sink, at your workspace, or simply bring it with you—so that it’s always nearby.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment® protects and helps relieve chapped, dry or cracked hands. Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is uniquely formulated with 41% Petrolatum (skin protectant), glycerin, panthenol and bisabolol. It protects skin to create an ideal healing environment and helps restore smooth, healthy skin.
Aquaphor® is the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for dry, cracked skin
Whatever the season, give your hands that extra bit of love! Preservative and fragrance-free Aquaphor Healing Ointment® provides effective care and long-lasting moisture. Your hands will look—and feel—healthier.
If you don’t notice an improvement, try a night-time treatment to help restore dry, cracked hands. All you’ll need is and extra 10 minutes and some items you’ll find at home:
- Soak hands in a lukewarm water bath for about 5 minutes
- Gently pat hands dry with a clean, dry towel
- Apply the Aquaphor Healing Ointment®
- Cover hands with a pair of 100% cotton gloves to help seal in the moisture overnight
Following these steps will help hydrate and condition hands during the night, to reveal softer skin in the morning.
How to prevent hands from cracking
While not all causes can be controlled, there are ways you can reduce the likelihood of developing dry, cracked skin on the hands:
- Wash hands with warm – not hot – water and use mild cleansers.
- Wear gloves throughout the winter and colder months to protect your hands from harsh winds or extreme temperatures, which can trigger dryness.
- Protect your hands at work. There are some jobs that require more protection. Whether it’s gardening gloves for yard work or heavy-duty ones for deep cleaning, that physical barrier makes a difference. Gloves can insulate your hands from the elements and help protect them from harsh chemicals or irritants.
- Protect your hands from the sun by wearing sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration depletes your body (including your hands) of much needed water. Help moisturize from the inside out.
- Consider using a humidifier in the house, especially in the winter. Skin becomes drier and itchy when humidity is low.
If your skin doesn’t improve consult with your healthcare professional about an underlying medical condition.
The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:
- Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
- Improve the appearance of the skin
- Achieve healthier-looking skin
