What do dry hands mean?

Why are your hands getting dry?

Cold outdoor air and dry indoor air make it harder for skin to retain moisture. Heating can remove moisture from the air, so the furnace is doing rather more than its job description suggests. Aging also reduces the skin's natural oil, and some medicines can cause dryness.13

Repeated contact with water, soap, detergents and cleaning chemicals can damage the skin's protective outer layer. Cleaning, healthcare, hairdressing and catering are common settings for hand dermatitis. Household chores count as exposure too, even if the washing up has declined to call itself an occupation. Notice whether dryness worsens after particular tasks or products.24

Could dry hands be eczema?

Hand eczema, also called hand dermatitis, can cause dryness and scaling alongside strong itching, burning or pain. Flares can include swelling, blisters, weeping and cracks. Eczema is not contagious, and scratching can increase redness, swelling and itching. Intensely itchy small blisters on the palms or sides of the fingers can occur with dyshidrotic eczema.25

Irritant dermatitis develops from repeated damage, while allergic contact dermatitis involves an immune reaction to something touching the skin. Fragrances, nickel and chemicals used in rubber gloves are possible allergens. A rash that repeatedly follows a task, appears unevenly or stops sharply at a glove cuff is a reason to discuss contact allergy with a dermatologist.2

What should you do for dry hands?

1. 1Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Avoid hot water and harsh scented or deodorant soaps.
2. 2Pat your hands dry gently, then immediately apply a thick cream or ointment while the skin is still slightly damp. Plain petroleum jelly is an option.
3. 3Reapply moisturizer after each wash and whenever your hands feel dry. Creams and ointments are more effective for dry skin than thin lotions.
4. 4Protect your hands during dishes and cleaning with suitable waterproof gloves. Cotton liners improve comfort; avoid prolonged glove wear because trapped sweat can aggravate dermatitis.
5. 5Protect your hands from cold weather. If indoor air is dry, consider a filtered cool mist humidifier in the bedroom.

Alcohol hand sanitizer can further dry chapped or cracked hands. Use mild soap and water when you have a choice, while keeping necessary hand hygiene. Soap and water are needed when hands are visibly dirty, before eating and after using the restroom. A cream cleanser is not a substitute for antimicrobial handwashing.27

If you have diagnosed dyshidrotic eczema, choose a fragrance free cream or ointment rather than lotion. Remove rings before washing, moisturizing and sleeping, because irritation and trapped dampness beneath rings can trigger flares. Ask your dermatologist about a suitable sanitizer if sanitizer ingredients trigger your eczema.6

When should you see a doctor?

See a dermatologist if moisturizing and reducing irritant exposure do not improve your hands; you do not have to wait for bleeding cracks. Seek assessment for painful, crusted areas or pus filled spots, which can occur with infection. Persistent hand eczema can need prescription treatment, and patch testing can identify contact allergies.237

Dry skin can also occur with diabetes, an underactive thyroid or other health conditions, but dry hands alone do not identify the cause. A clinician can review your symptoms, medicines and health history, examine your skin, and arrange tests if an underlying health problem is suspected.1