Various home remedies can help a person manage or get rid of dry hands. Home treatments include moisturizing, protecting the skin, applying aloe vera, and more.
Dry hands are primarily caused by the following:
- weather
- environmental irritants
- medical conditions
Weather is responsible for dry hands that mainly occur in the winter. When the weather turns cold, the air dries out, and the body cannot hold onto to moisture. The lack of moisture in the air causes dry skin and hands.
People, such as doctors or nurses, who wash their hands a lot or use hand sanitizer multiple times a day, are more likely than some other people to have dry hands. Others, such as dishwashers or hair stylists, may also be more prone to dry hands due to repeated exposure to chemicals and soaps.
Some people may experience the skin on their hands drying out due to an underlying medical condition.
Individuals with conditions, including diabetes or lupus that affect blood flow to the extremities, may have dry hands. Similarly, other diseases that affect the skin, for example, psoriasis and eczema, can cause dry skin on the hands, as well as skin that peels and cracks.
A person can try these remedies as a first line of treatment for dry hands:
1. Use moisturizers
Many moisturizers are designed for the hands and are available commercially. A person should use a moisturizing cream on their hands after every wash to help restore the natural moisture to the skin. There are also several oils, such as coconut oil, that may produce similar results.
2. Protect the skin
The sun can dry skin out, cause burns, and lead to other, more severe health problems. All areas of the body should be protected from prolonged sun exposure, and the hands are no exception. Protecting the hands with a quality sun block can help prevent the sun from drying them out.
3. Try overnight treatments
People with extremely dry hands may want to try to treat them overnight. To do this, they should use copious amount of moisturizing lotions or creams. Once they have applied lots of cream, a person should put socks, gloves, or mittens over the hands. The coverings help to keep the moisturizer in touch with the skin, so it is absorbed overnight.
4. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many skin products due to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera is available over the counter, and it can be applied to the skin as a natural, safe moisturizer.
5. Avoid soap
The chemicals often found in soaps can have a drying effect on the hands. People should avoid excessively washing their hands if possible to avoid drying them out.
6. Wear gloves
People who spend a lot of time with their hands submerged or in contact with water should consider wearing rubber gloves.
Prolonged exposure to water can dry the hands because it washes away the natural oils in the skin. The gloves give a layer of protection to help prevent the hands from drying out.
7. Use a humidifier
People with respiratory issues often use humidifiers to help their breathing. However, a humidifier can make a big impact on protecting the skin from drying out when people live in a dry environment or during the winter months.
Typically, the best place to have a humidifier is near the bed, but it can be used in any room of the house.
8. Decrease stress
For people with eczema, stress can trigger an outbreak or flare. Reducing stress can help someone with eczema avoid having dry skin on their hands and other areas of the body.
9. Avoid hot air dryers
Hot air dryers tend to dry out the skin. The hot, dry air can overdry the hands. It is better to try and use paper towels when possible and pat the hands dry.
10. Exfoliate
Exfoliation can help remove dead, dry, and damaged skin. A person can use commercial products, a pumice stone, or try making a homemade solution by mixing olive oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
11. Bathe in oats
When added to a bath, raw or cooked oats can help rejuvenate the skin. Oats can be used either in a small basin mixed with an oil, such as olive oil, or they can be mixed with water as part of a full bathtub.
Medical treatments for dry hands tend to focus on underlying medical conditions. Some of these may include eczema and psoriasis.
A person should seek medical attention if any of the following are present:
- bleeding
- discoloration
- swelling
- drainage from open wounds
- extreme redness
They should also speak to their doctor if the condition gets worse or home remedies do not work.
Prevention depends on a person’s situation. For example, many people will find that workplace conditions put them at higher risk for developing dry hands.
People who frequently have to wash hands will want to apply moisturizer immediately following hand-washing. Dishwashers and others who work in environments where they use a lot of water may want to consider wearing gloves to help protect themselves from excessive exposure.
People with eczema and other skin conditions should take steps to prevent flares. This may include reducing stress and following all recommendations from a doctor.
All people can try to limit their sun exposure. Also, most people should avoid using hot air dryers if dry hands are a problem.
Dry hands are a normal occurrence that most people will experience from time to time. In most cases, over-the-counter creams and home remedies are enough to help treat and prevent dry hands. Anyone who does not see an improvement from home solutions, or who notices other symptoms, should speak to their doctor.