Dry skin, commonly referred to by dermatologists as "xerosis" or "asteatosis" is a very common skin condition. It is more common in the winter months due to low environmental humidity and can occur anywhere on the body. The condition often occurs on exposed areas, like the face, hands, arms and legs and may or may not be accompanied by redness and itching. Treatment for dry skin on the hands depends on the cause.
Symptoms
The University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) website says that dry skin inside the hands can look dull and flaky with the fines lines of the hands appearing deeper and more pronounced. The hands may have a rough, scratchy feel to them. Dry skin inside the hands can also be accompanied by redness or itching. The UIHC says that dry hands can develop painful cracks called fissures that may bleed or become infected.
Causes
The skin is a thin, protective layer that keeps essential moisture inside the body. The outermost layer of skin called the stratum corneum is a mixture of dead skin cells and protective oils. When the protective oils are stripped away the skin dries out. The UIHC states that "too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils."
The Mayo Clinic says eczema and psoriasis are two diseases that can cause dry skin on the inside of the hands. The skin health website DermNet NZ says that other causes can include inherited conditions, metabolic factors, and frictional irritation and chapping.
Treatment
Treatment for dry skin inside the hands depends on the cause. When dry skin is simply due to decreased humidity, adding moisture to the air may help. You can run a humidifier in the bedroom or office to increase environmental moisture.
Adding moisture directly to the skin can also be beneficial. Moisturizers generally come in four types: ointment, oil, cream and lotion. The UIHC says to limit showers to no more than 10 minutes per 24-hour period and use warm rather than hot water. Lightweight gloves in the shower can protect hands from oil-stripping soap. It is important to follow up with a moisturizer to seal water into the skin.
It is recommended to re-apply moisturizer before bedtime and wear gloves to bed to prevent moisture loss during the night. DermNet NZ says that if dry skin is due to eczema a topical steroid cream can be helpful. Treating the underlying condition is essential if dry skin is due to a disease.
Prevention
Preventing dry skin on the inside of hands requires protecting them from oil-stripping elements. It is important to wear gloves when coming into contact with hot, soapy water for extended periods of time. Protect hands from cold, winter air with gloves or mittens. Limit showers and use hand moisturizers as a preventative measure.
Additionally, limit the use of hand sanitizers, which contain alcohol and can be extremely drying. Switch to an antibacterial hand moisturizer that contains germ-killing essential oils in an emollient-rich moisturizing lotion.
Warnings
The Mayo Clinic says that severe dry skin can lead to more severe conditions like eczema, folliculitis and cellulitis. When dry skin does not clear up with at-home treatment it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist. The Mayo Clinic says to see a doctor immediately if dry skin cracks and becomes infected.
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