If your dry hands are being caused by your work conditions, consider carrying a small bottle of lotion around with you so you can reapply moisturizer throughout the day. Look for moisturizers containing ingredients such as:
- glycerin
- jojoba oil
- shea butter
- aloe vera
If you work in a place that requires frequent handwashing, such as a hospital or restaurant, speak with your manager about installing lotion pumps on the walls. If they already exist, make good use of them.
You should also avoid excessive heat, such as from hand dryers. Like cold conditions, heat can further dry out the skin.
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What causes dryness in hands?
Weather
During colder months, it’s common for your skin to become dry. Climate changes, especially cold weather without a lot of moisture in the air, can cause hands to dry out. Decreased moisture in the air draws moisture from the skin.
Workplace conditions
Workplace conditions can also cause dry hands. People with jobs that require extensive handwashing, such as nurses, doctors, or teachers, may notice dry hands. Factory workers or hairdressers may be routinely exposed to chemicals or other harsh irritants. These can lead to dry hands, as well.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions may also lead to dry hands or put a person at risk of getting dry hands more frequently.
For example, people with autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes or lupus, may have lowered blood circulation to the hands. This causes their hands to get irritated more easily. Eczema and psoriasis, two conditions that cause skin inflammation, can also cause dry hands, skin peeling, and cracking.
When should you seek help?
If your dry hands are caused by eczema or another skin condition, you may develop complications such as infection or deformed fingernails.
Certain symptoms may indicate a severe problem. These include:
- skin discoloration
- bleeding
- extreme redness
- drainage from opened areas of skin
- swelling
If your dry hands don’t improve with home treatments or if you have any of the above symptoms, you should seek help from a medical professional.
The bottom line
In most cases, dry hands are a usual part of life. They can usually be treated easily with moisturizer. If your dry hands don’t improve with home remedies or if you show any other symptoms, such as bleeding or infection, seek medical attention.