Top 10 Causes of Dry Skin on Hands and How to Fix It

What Causes Dry Skin on Your Hands?

Dry, flaky, itchy hands can be annoying and embarrassing. While dry skin can happen anywhere on the body, it's especially common on the hands. Hands are constantly exposed to irritants and subjected to repeated washing that strips moisture. Finding the root cause of dryness is key to restoring soft, supple hands.

10 Common Causes of Dry Skin on Hands

1. Frequent Hand Washing

Frequently washing hands with soap and water is rough on skin. Soap removes protective oils, allowing moisture to escape. Constant cycles of wetting and drying can break down the skin's barrier. Healthcare workers and frequent hand washers are prone to dryness.

2. Exposure to Irritants

Chemical irritants like household cleaners, acids, solvents and even water can damage the skin barrier over time. This allows moisture to seep out, leaving hands parched. Wearing gloves provides a protective barrier when using irritating substances.

3. Cold, Dry Air

Cold, dry air sucks moisture from the skin. Low humidity in winter or blasting the AC dries hands out. Going outside with bare hands exposed to cold air worsens water loss. Protect hands with gloves and regularly apply moisturizer.

4. Aging

As we age, skin becomes thinner and produces less oil, allowing increased water evaporation from the skins surface. The number of sweat and oil glands also decreases. Keeping hands well-hydrated is important for aging skin.

5. Genetics

Genes play a role in skin dryness for some people. Conditions like ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis make skin prone to extreme dryness and cracking. Moisturizing frequently and avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms.

6. Hard Water

Washing with hard water leaves an invisible mineral residue on skin that can cause dryness over time. Water softeners or shower filters can reduce deposits. Follow hand washing with a moisturizing lotion to replenish lipids washed away.

7. Harsh Soaps

Anti-bacterial soaps, degreasing hand cleansers and bar soaps strip away protective oils. Opt for gentle liquid cleansers labeled moisturizing or for dry skin". Wash hands in lukewarm, not hot, water.

8. Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition marked by red, extremely itchy, cracked, dry skin. It worsens in winter or after touching irritants. Flare-ups on hands are common. Use thick moisturizers and avoid known triggers to manage symptoms.

9. Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland slows metabolism, reducing sweat and oil production. Lack of these natural moisturizers leads to dry skin all over, including the hands. Treatment focuses on restoring normal thyroid hormone levels.

10. Medications

Certain medications like diuretics, beta blockers, retinoids and NSAIDs are linked to dry skin issues. Check drug labels and talk to your doctor about dryness. Avoiding other irritants can prevent worsening if dryness occurs.

Tips for Relieving Dry, Irritated Hands

Moisturize Hands Regularly

Apply moisturizer designed for very dry skin after each hand washing. Look for rich lotions and creams containing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin or dimethicone. For severe dryness, use thick ointments or balms that seal in moisture.

Wear Gloves for Wet Work

Wear waterproof gloves for tasks involving water exposure, such as washing dishes, cleaning or gardening. Gloves form a protective barrier against irritants. Look for cotton-lined options for extra comfort.

Use Lukewarm Water, Not Hot

Wash hands with lukewarm water rather than hot to avoid excess drying. Hot water strips away natural oils. Cooler water is gentler on the skin. Limit hand washing time and pat hands dry gently without rubbing.

Avoid Harsh Soaps and Sanitizers

Steer clear of degreasing hand soaps, anti-bacterial products with triclosan, and alcohol-based sanitizers which can be very drying. Opt for moisturizing cleansers labeled gentle instead. Alcohol-free sanitizers are less harsh.

Try Oil-Based Moisturizers

Plant-based oils like coconut, olive, almond, avocado or argan oil provide deep hydration for parched hands. Apply oils after washing and put on cotton gloves overnight. The oils seal in moisture and provide lasting softness.

Use a Humidifier

Run a humidifier at home and at work during dry winter months to add moisture back into the air. Keeping indoor humidity around 30-50% prevents excessive water loss from skin that leads to dehydration and cracking.

Exfoliate to Shed Dry Skin

Use a gentle scrub 2-3 times per week to remove flaky skin buildup. Look for exfoliators with soft jojoba beads or smooth pumice stones. Avoid abrasive scrubs which can further irritate.

Apply Heavier Creams Before Bed

Slather hands with a thick, creamy moisturizer right before bed to take advantage of the nightly skin cell repair process. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using corticosteroid cream on cracked areas at night under cotton gloves.

Avoid Irritants

Prevent dry, cracked hands by avoiding common irritants like soaps with strong scents and colors, harsh cleaning solutions, chlorine bleach, alcohol-based products, fragrances, paint thinners, etc. Wear gloves when using any chemical products.

Medical Treatments for Severely Dry Hands

For moderate to severe dry skin not helped sufficiently by good at-home care, prescription medical treatments may be needed to repair the skin barrier and provide hydration. Consult a dermatologist about options.

Prescription Moisturizers

Thicker petroleum-based moisturizers are available by prescription to seal in moisture. Urea creams with concentrations up to 40% also hydrate while gently exfoliating dry skin.

Corticosteroids

Moderate to strong steroid creams like clobetasol or fluocinonide provide relief from extremely dry, inflamed, cracked hands. They calm inflammation and reduce itching as the skin heals.

Biologics

For serious hand dermatitis that doesnt respond to steroids, oral or injectable biologics like Dupixent may be prescribed. These suppress the immune response that triggers symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

Oral Retinoids

Oral retinoids such as Acitretin can be prescribed for severe inherited dry skin disorders. They work by reducing keratin production and helping unclog pores to normalize shedding of dead skin cells.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor promptly if you experience:

• No relief using over-the-counter lotions
• Severe cracking, bleeding, or peeling
• Splitting around fingernails
• Redness, swelling or pus
• Itching that interferes with sleep

A dermatologist can diagnose any underlying skin conditions and prescribe stronger medications if needed. Severely dry, cracked hands can lead to infection entering through splits in the skin.

Restoring soft, smooth hands is possible by identifying and avoiding contributing factors. Using gentle cleansers, wearing gloves, regularly applying moisturizer, and treating severely dry skin medically can get hands healthy and happy again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.