Dry hands and feet: causes and what to use

Why are your hands and feet dry?

Dry skin develops when the skin loses too much water and oil. The medical name is xerosis. Skin can become scaly, itchy or red, with fine cracks. Cold winter air, hot dry climates, frequent or lengthy bathing, and some soaps and detergents can all contribute. Indoor heating and cooling can dry the air, so the thermostat and your hands do not necessarily want the same thing. Aging also reduces the skin's natural oil production. Certain medicines, including treatments applied to the skin, can cause dryness. If dryness persists, a clinician can review your symptoms and health history and arrange tests when an underlying health problem is suspected.1

How to wash and moisturize dry hands and feet

1. 1Wash with lukewarm water rather than hot water. Choose a gentle cleanser without dyes or perfume, and avoid exposing dry skin to water more often than needed.
2. 2Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel.
3. 3Apply moisturizer promptly after washing. For dyshidrotic eczema, apply the recommended moisturizer while the skin is still damp after every handwash, bath or shower.
4. 4Smooth the moisturizer gently over the skin rather than rubbing it in. Follow the direction of hair growth where there is hair.
5. 5Reapply whenever the skin feels dry or tight. Emollients can be used at least three or four times daily, with extra applications as needed.

What can you use for dry hands and feet?

Emollients are moisturizing treatments that cover the skin with a protective film. They trap moisture, which is a less glamorous job than most skincare packaging suggests. You can buy them at a pharmacy without a prescription.5

For dyshidrotic eczema, choose a fragrance free cream or ointment. A dermatologist can recommend a barrier repair cream containing dimethicone, which forms a barrier against irritation. For ordinary dryness, a clinician can help select a moisturizer; very inflamed, itchy areas sometimes need a topical steroid rather than more moisturizer.12

Protect your hands and keep your feet dry

If you have dyshidrotic eczema, remove rings before washing, moisturizing and sleeping. Water trapped beneath a ring can trigger a flare. Use mild, fragrance free cleansers rather than antibacterial or deodorant soaps. Ask your dermatologist about a suitable hand sanitizer if ingredients trigger your symptoms. For wet work, wear cotton gloves beneath waterproof gloves; for dry tasks, cotton gloves alone are suitable. Put gloves on before handling detergents, household cleaners or other irritants. Wear moisture wicking socks to help keep affected feet dry. Heat, sweat and very dry conditions can trigger this eczema, so avoid overheating and moisturize frequently. Avoid scratching, which worsens symptoms.2

What diseases can cause dry hands and feet?

Eczema and psoriasis can cause dry skin. Diabetes, an underactive thyroid and Sjogren syndrome are also possible causes of dryness, but dry hands and feet alone do not identify the cause. Eczema, also called dermatitis, includes several conditions involving skin inflammation. Many cause dry, itchy skin and rashes, including on the hands and feet. Eczema is not contagious. Genetic and environmental factors likely contribute, and symptoms can improve or worsen over time. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type. It often starts in childhood, but adults can have it too; skin can remain dry and easily irritated even as childhood symptoms improve.16

Dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx, affects the hands or feet. It often starts with itching, burning or prickling, followed by itchy fluid filled blisters. After the blisters disappear, skin can become dry, cracked, sore or bleed. It commonly affects fingers and palms, and can affect toes and soles. Psoriasis and fungal infections, including athlete's foot, can also cause sore, itchy patches or blisters. Have recurring blisters assessed rather than choosing a diagnosis from their appearance.4

How long does it take to improve?

There is no single recovery time for dry hands and feet: the cause determines whether moisturizing alone is enough. Pompholyx symptoms usually last two to three weeks at a time, but the condition can recur over the long term. Daily moisturizers help prevent dryness, while prescribed steroid creams or ointments are generally used for a few weeks to reduce irritation and soreness. Do not burst the blisters.4

A dermatologist can tailor treatment for recurring dyshidrotic eczema. Treatment can include medicated soaks or cool compresses followed by a prescribed corticosteroid, a medicine that reduces inflammation. Infection needs its own treatment and can prevent the eczema from clearing. If flares continue despite following your plan, tell your dermatologist so treatment can be adjusted. When allergy is suspected, patch testing places small amounts of possible allergens on the skin to help identify triggers. Stronger medicines or supervised light treatments are options for difficult cases. Do not try to replace medical light treatment with tanning beds or unprotected sun exposure.3

When to get medical help

See a clinician for suspected pompholyx, worrying skin changes, or blisters that are very painful, leak yellow or green pus, or develop a yellow brown crust. These blister changes can indicate infection. Severe symptoms or treatment that is not helping can require referral to a dermatologist. If itching disrupts sleep, ask a pharmacist about suitable treatment.4

Seek advice for persistent burning or stinging from an emollient. Keep emollient contaminated clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes. Use a clean spoon for tubs, and watch for slippery floors after application. If you also use a steroid or another skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between applications and ask your doctor which to apply first.5