Dry skin, technically known as xerosis, is a common malady, especially in extreme temperatures or dry climates. Wind and sun exposure can dry out your skin, making it uncomfortably itchy and rough to the touch. Dry, wrinkly hands can often be successfully treated with over-the-counter remedies, though extreme or persistent symptoms may require a visit to the dermatologist.
Causes
Physical causes of dry, wrinkly skin include heredity and hormonal shifts such as those common to aging. Environmental factors may also contribute to dry skin on the hands. If you regularly clean without wearing rubber or latex gloves, hot water and harsh cleansers can dry out your hands and cause your skin to wrinkle. Your skin may become drier in the summer or winter, especially if you spend a lot of time outside without sunscreen, gloves or moisturizer.
Symptoms
According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, dry skin is most frequently found on the arms and legs. Dry skin symptoms may be caused by dermatitis or eczema, an illness in which the skin turns dark red or brown, is extremely itchy and may crack and bleed from lack of moisture. MayoClinic.com states that eczema most often arises in childhood, but has been known to continue into or first arise in adulthood. Other symptoms of dry hands include flaking, peeling and a scaly appearance.
Treatment
Using hand repair cream or a thick moisturizing lotion may be all it takes to heal your dry hands. An old home remedy is to spread petroleum jelly on your hands and cover them with cotton gloves overnight. Lotions containing olive oil, aloe or lanolin may be especially soothing. Shower and wash your hands with a moisturizing body wash formulated with shea or cocoa instead of antibacterial or deodorant soap. For severe cases, a dermatologist can prescribe corticosteroids or oral antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
Taking brief, tepid showers instead of soaking in a hot bath can keep your hands from drying out. You can wear gloves when you do housework or go outside in harsh weather, making sure to slather on hand cream first. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out and may help prevent wrinkled hands.
Considerations
Appropriate treatment for skin conditions depends on correct diagnosis by a trained physician. If preventative measures such as lifestyle changes don't work, evaluate your chronic symptoms for clues to your possible condition. A dermatologist can diagnose the illness causing your hands to itch, crack and bleed. If you suffer frequent colds or infections, your dry skin could be one of a constellation of symptoms of an autoimmune disorder. Visit a dermatologist if home remedies have failed, especially if you have other symptoms of illness.
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