How to fix dry hands

Why do your hands keep getting dry?

Repeated washing, cleaning products and cold weather can damage the skin barrier, the outer layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Once that barrier is damaged, hands become more vulnerable to irritation. Frequent washing and sanitizing can also worsen chapping. You can heal dryness caused by handwashing without reducing necessary hand hygiene; moisturizing afterwards does not undo the washing.134

What should you do after washing your hands?

1. 1Remove rings before washing so soap and water do not stay trapped underneath.
2. 2Use warm rather than hot water and a mild, non perfumed soap or suitable soap substitute. Rinse thoroughly.
3. 3Dry carefully, especially between your fingers. Avoid leaving trapped moisture there.
4. 4Apply cream or ointment promptly. Slightly damp skin helps moisturizer seal in water.
5. 5Repeat after each wash or use of sanitizer, and whenever your hands feel dry. Keep a tube at work as well as at home.

Which hand cream should you choose?

Choose a fragrance free, dye free cream or ointment rather than a thin lotion for very dry hands. Cream is less greasy than ointment and can be more practical during the day. Look for glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, ceramides to help retain it, and petrolatum, mineral oil or dimethicone to reduce moisture loss. Dimethicone is particularly useful for dry hands. A bigger price tag does not make a moisturizer work better, even if the packaging seems very pleased with itself.135

For sensitive skin or known allergies, avoid fragranced products and botanical ingredients that trigger irritation. Fragrance free does not mean allergen free. Moisturizers smooth and hydrate skin, but their effects do not last long enough to retire the tube.35

How do you stop the dryness coming back?

Wear protective gloves for washing dishes, cleaning and other wet work. Cotton liners help reduce sweating; replace gloves if they become wet inside. Wear warm fabric gloves outdoors in cold weather. Avoid scrubbing your hands with harsh cleaners or abrasives. A humidifier can help keep indoor air from becoming too dry. Before going outside, protect exposed hands with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.125

How can you fix dry hands quickly?

Start with cream or ointment on slightly damp hands, then repeat whenever dryness returns. Before bed, apply moisturizer and put on cotton gloves. Cotton gloves keep greasy moisturizer off the bedclothes, which have not volunteered for a skincare routine. Continue protecting and moisturizing your hands after they look better: irritated hand skin stays vulnerable for several months.15

When should you get medical help?

Contact a healthcare professional if your hands do not improve with regular moisturizing and protection, or if you develop deep cracks, swelling, blisters or weeping skin. Severe dryness can lead to cracks and infection. Persistent itching and scaling can involve dermatitis, meaning skin inflammation, rather than dryness alone. Irritants and allergies can both contribute, and treatment can include prescription creams to reduce inflammation.126

Moisturizer can briefly sting cracked skin without indicating an allergy. Stop using a product that repeatedly worsens irritation. Keep emollients away from naked flames, and allow greasy products to absorb before driving or handling machinery.56