Dry, cracked hands are a common problem during dry winter months or in low-humidity climates. According to the University of Iowa Department of Dermatology, dry skin can occur in anyone, at any age and can occur in people with or without certain skin conditions, such as eczema. Luckily, you can usually treat cracked, dry hands using moisturizing hand creams and lotions that contain specific, hydrating ingredients. In severe cases, you may need to consult a dermatologist for a prescription-strength cream.
Eucerin
Eucerin is commonly used in doctor's offices and hospitals to prevent dry skin and to treat dry, chapped hands. According to Quick Care and the University of Iowa Department of Dermatology, Eucerin's Original Cream is an effective, non-greasy cream that contains beneficial emollient ingredients, including mineral oil and lanolin, as well as humectants such as sorbitol and propylene glycol. Humectants not only help to trap moisture in your hands, they also draw moisture into your skin, helping to alleviate dry, chapped, cracking and itching skin.
Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand and Nail
Vaseline Intensive Care is a popular lotion that is often recommended by dermatologists, according to the University of Iowa Department of Dermatology. The Healthy Hand and Nail formulation helps to keep your hands hydrated, strengthens your nails and helps to prevent fine lines, cracks and wrinkles. Because it is a lotion and not a cream, you may need to apply this product more frequently in order to heal your hands more quickly. According to the manufacturer's website, this product contains keratin, which can help to strengthen and protect your nails, and help your skin retain moisture for hours.
Neutrogena Fast-Absorbing Hand Cream
According to the University of Iowa Department of Dermatology, Neutrogena Hand Cream is especially effective for treating dry, chapped hands. The manufacturer's website states that this fast-absorbing product is non-greasy and contains many beneficial moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, a powerful humectant that helps to draw moisture into your skin. It was listed in the July-August 2008 issue of "Women's Health" magazine as one of the best moisturizing hand creams of 2008.
Aquaphor
Aquaphor is a beneficial, petroleum jelly-based ointment that can help to soothe very dry, chapped skin, according to the University of Iowa Department of Dermatology. Some people are reluctant to try petroleum-based products, however, a little goes a long way and you only need to apply a dab and rub it in well for it to be effective.
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