Dealing with dry hands can be frustrating and painful. If you suffer from dry hands, this article is for you.
By: Margaret Trashian, MD
Introduction
You know the drill: you wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wash them again, and before you know it, your hands feel like sandpaper. It's like your skin is conspiring against you, leaving you with hands that look like they belong to someone twice your age.
There are ways to conquer the scourge of dry hands and emerge victorious. From slathering on hand cream and using filtered water to using gloves to protect your delicate mitts from the elements, there are plenty of tactics you can employ to keep your skin soft and supple.
So, if you're tired of feeling like you're starring in a horror movie every time you catch a glimpse of your hands, let's dive into the world of dry hand remedies.
What causes dry hands?
Exposure to cold, dry air or low humidity is one of the primary causes of dry skin. When the air is dry, it can cause the skin on your hands to become dry and cracked, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. In addition, washing your hands frequently with hot water and harsh soaps can also lead to dryness. While washing your hands is important for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of germs, it is essential to use gentle soaps and cleansers and lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin.
Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also cause dryness and cracking of the skin on your hands. These conditions can be particularly challenging to manage, and it is important to seek medical advice if you experience persistent dryness, itching, or irritation. As you age, your skin naturally becomes thinner and loses moisture, which can lead to dryness. This can be exacerbated by other factors, such as exposure to harsh chemicals, over-washing, or extreme temperatures.
To prevent and treat dry hands, it is important to take steps to keep your skin moisturized. This can be achieved by using water filters, like the one from Filterbaby, which can help dry hands by reducing harsh minerals and chemicals from the water supply. These substances can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and cracking. By using a water filter, you can ensure that the water you use to wash your hands is gentler and less likely to cause dryness. Applying a high-quality moisturizer to your hands regularly throughout the day can also help prevent and treat dry hands. You should also avoid over-washing your hands and use gentle, moisturizing soaps when washing is necessary. In addition, it is important to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures by wearing gloves when cleaning or performing other activities that may be drying to the skin.
In summary, dry hands can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to cold, dry air or low humidity, frequent washing with hot water and harsh soaps, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and aging. To prevent and treat dry hands, it is important to moisturize regularly, avoid over-washing your hands, and protect your hands from harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. By taking these steps, you can keep your hands healthy, comfortable, and looking their best.
FAQ
What causes extremely dry hands?
Dry skin, also known as xerosis or xeroderma, has many causes, including cold or dry weather, sun damage, harsh soaps, and overbathing.
What is a natural remedy for dry hands?
A 2013 study found that sunflower seed oil improved hydration when used as a moisturizer on participant's arms. Another natural oil that works well to treat dry skin is coconut oil. Oatmeal bath, milk, honey, petroleum jelly, aloe vera.
Is vaseline good for dry hands?
If you have very dry hands or cracked skin, then why not try an overnight healing treatment? Before bed, rub a layer of Vaseline Jelly or Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Jelly Cream onto your entire hand.
What deficiency causes dry hands?
Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to keep it healthy. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron, you can develop excessively dry skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dry hands can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue, but there are steps you can take to prevent and treat them. From using water filters to avoid harsh chemicals and minerals to applying a high-quality moisturizer regularly, you can keep your hands healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Additionally, protecting your hands from extreme temperatures and avoiding over-washing them with hot water and harsh soaps can go a long way in preventing dryness.
It is also important to note that skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can contribute to dry hands, and seeking medical advice may be necessary in these cases. Furthermore, certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies can also cause dry skin, and ensuring that you are getting enough nutrients through a balanced diet or supplements can be helpful.
Overall, by taking care of your hands and being mindful of the causes of dryness, you can say goodbye to dry hands and enjoy soft, healthy skin.
P.S. We did the homework so you don't have to!
Lambert, L. (2021, Jun 1). Dry Skin. Cabinet, 21(2). https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-mp_sapa-v21-n2-a8