Dry cracked skin on the hands is a disruptive and painful condition that can interfere with daily functioning or lead to potentially serious complications if not treated promptly. A number of conditions make the skin more vulnerable to drying and cracking, but aggressive hand washing and low environmental humidity are the most common causes. Prevention of dryness and cracking is easier than treating the skin once cracks develop. For this reason, it is important to avoid irritants and engage in proper skin care on a daily basis.
Causes
The outermost layer of skin on the hands and the rest of the body, called the stratus corneum, works to hold water inside the skin and prevent external irritants from penetrating the skin and entering the body. This layer is composed of dead skin cells and natural oils. When the moisture level of the stratus corneum drops too low, it is unable to function properly, thereby allowing moisture inside the skin to escape. As the skin becomes even more dry, it may begin to crack and bleed.
Related Conditions
Low environmental humidity due to dry, winter weather and the use of indoor heating and cooling systems is a common cause of dry cracked hands, according to the University of Iowa. Dry cracked skin on the hands may also be caused by eczema, a chronic condition that causes scaling, itching, redness and cracking of the skin, or by frequent hand washing or contact with allergens or irritants. Hypothyroidism and other hormonal disorders may also cause severely dry skin.
Prevention
Proper skin care, which includes taking short baths and showers, avoiding harsh soaps and hot water and applying moisturizer at the first signs of dryness, is essential to preventing dry skin and cracking. Avoiding known irritants and allergens is essential to preventing hand eczema and contact dermatitis, and prompt treatment of underlying medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can prevent severely dry skin from developing.
Treatment
Dry skin caused by low environmental moisture can lead to severe dryness and cracking unless moisture is restored through the use of moisturizing ointments and a humidifier. Washing your hands only when necessary with a mild soap and lukewarm water can encourage healing of dry, cracked skin. Treatment of eczema involves the use of oil-based moisturizers, topical steroid creams and lifestyle changes, according to the National Eczema Association. If a medical cause is suspected, a thorough evaluation with a medical professional can uncover any underlying diseases that may be contributing to your dry hands so that you can develop an effective treatment plan.
Warnings
Dry, cracked skin is prone to infection and may take a long time to heal. For this reason, many doctors will prescribe a topical antibiotic at the first sign of cracking and treat more severe cracks aggressively. The risk of infection and serious complications is even higher in diabetics and in those with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, hand cracks can interfere with daily functioning and hygiene. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends protecting the hands for at least four months after the cracks heal.
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