You use your hands nearly every waking moment of the day. When your hands become dry or cracked, you may experience a limitation in your daily activities or, at the very least, suffer from pain, itching or bleeding. Dry, cracked hands are the result of the loss of moisture and natural oils in your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Except in extreme cases, dry, chapped hands can be alleviated or prevented by using softening and moisturizing ingredients and making lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
When the skin on your hands loses moisture and starts to crack, the result can be painful and unsightly. In extreme cases, your hands may start to bleed through fissures. According to Private Healthcare UK, the palms of your hands are particularly susceptible to chapping or cracking. It is a symptom of the loss of natural lubricating oils in your skin, caused by a variety of potential factors.
Causes
The causes of dry, cracked hands can vary from person to person. Dry, cracked hands are most frequently caused by over-washing with drying or harsh hand soaps or washing with water that is too hot. Exposure to harsh household cleaning products, wind or sun and nutritional factors may play a role in dry or chapped skin, according to Private Healthcare UK. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dry, chapped skin conditions can also be caused by low-humidity climates and cold winter weather.
Skin Disorders
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, two skin disorders, eczema and dermatitis, can result when skin becomes too dry. Dermatitis means that your skin becomes inflamed and is usually treated by prescription medication. Hand eczema results in dry, red, peeling or flaky skin on your hands, usually treated by lifestyle changes and home remedies, according to the National Eczema Association.
Considerations
Lifestyle changes and home remedies are usually effective at preventing or treating most cases of cry, cracked hands. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, washing your hands with a mild soap, avoiding hot water and using a moisturizer containing lactic acid or urea may help to treat or prevent dry, chapped hands. The National Eczema Association also suggests wearing cotton gloves to protect your hands while doing household activities.
Medical Treatment
When home remedies and lifestyle changes are ineffective, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, certain prescription medications, such as a corticosteroid or immunomodulator, may be effective in treating severe cases of dry skin.
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