Why do my hands crack every winter?

Why does winter make it worse?

Dry skin develops when skin loses too much water and oil. It can become rough, scaly, itchy or red, with fine cracks. Cold outdoor air and dry indoor air both contribute. Indoor heating dries the air, so winter manages to follow you indoors without taking its coat off. Some soaps and detergents add to the problem, as does bathing too often or for too long.13

What should I do after washing my hands?

1. 1Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and lukewarm water, including between your fingers and around your nails. Choose a gentle soap without fragrance or dyes.
2. 2Dry with a clean towel, leaving your hands slightly damp. Alternatively, let them air dry until slightly damp.
3. 3Apply hand cream or ointment straight away, including your fingertips and nails. Repeat after each wash rather than saving moisturizer for bedtime.

Choose a thick cream or ointment containing petrolatum or mineral oil, labeled fragrance free and dye free. These tend to feel less irritating on chapped hands. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, then apply moisturizer once the sanitizer has dried. Sanitizer can be very drying, but cracked hands are not a reason to abandon hand hygiene.12

How can I prevent the next round of cracks?

Cover your hands when outdoors to protect them from the cold. Indoors, use warmer clothes or blankets rather than turning up the heating. A filtered, cool mist humidifier in your bedroom can help treat and prevent dryness; you do not need to wait for cracks to appear. Avoid hot water, harsh scented soaps and unnecessary prolonged water exposure.13

When should I see a doctor?

See a dermatologist if consistent home care does not improve your hands, or if dryness and itching are severe. You do not have to wait until your knuckles bleed. Persistent dryness can involve eczema, another health condition or a medicine, rather than weather alone. A clinician can check the cause and decide whether you need a prescription cream or ointment. Aging also makes skin thinner and reduces oil production, making dryness more likely.123

What can I do about dry itchy legs in winter?

Use moisturizer every day and immediately after bathing. Keep the water warm rather than hot, use mild soap, and pat dry instead of rubbing. Lower legs are a common site of dry, rough, itchy patches in older adults. If clothing irritates raw skin, choose soft cotton or silk and fragrance free laundry detergent. Seek medical advice for very dry, itchy skin.134

How do I care for lips that keep splitting in cold weather?

Apply fragrance free lip balm or ointment throughout the day, after eating or drinking, and before bed. Avoid licking, picking or biting your lips. Outdoors, use a lip product with SPF 30 or higher and reapply about every two hours. Stop any lip balm that stings, burns or tingles. Chapped lips take an average of two to three weeks to heal completely; severe chapping takes longer. See a clinician if your lips worsen, fail to improve after a few weeks, or frequently bleed despite home care.5