Remedies For Dry & Cracked Hands

If your hands become very dry, the skin may contract severely and cracks may appear, reports the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. These cracks don't just look unsightly, but may also be painful or extremely itchy. Help restore your hands' natural beauty and comfort using a combination of lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter moisturizing treatments.

Minimize Washing

Regularly washing your hands often leads to dry and cracked hands, which is why health workers are most afflicted by this skin problem, according to the Vanderbilt University Occupational Health Clinic. Minimize your hand washing frequency as much as possible, suggests the University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Services, and focus on washing your fingers instead of the back of your hand, which is likely not dirty.

Use Non-Soap Cleansers

Soap and detergents will suck the moisture out of your hands and leave them more cracked and dry. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Services advises using non-soap cleansers, specifically recommending brands like Cetaphil and Aquanil, and says to dry off using either a soft cloth or a paper towel.

Moisturize Regularly

Smooth on a moisturizer regularly to soothe away discomfort and itchiness, combat dry hands and help cracked skin heal. Heavy, oil-based lotions formulated with either propylene glycol or urea are best for cracked skin, according to the Mayo Clinic doctors, because they last longer and trap moisture into your skin more effectively.

Run a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can make your cracked and dry hands even worse by sucking more moisture out of your skin. A portable humidifier can help restore vital moisture to the air and help your skin get back its natural suppleness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Wear Gloves

Rubber or latex gloves can help keep your hand moisturizers from rubbing off and can also help further trap moisture on your hands for an intensely restorative experience, according to the Northwestern Health Services University. Try rubbing on moisturizer and pulling on the gloves before going to bed. You'll wake up with much softer skin.