Cracked skin on the hands: Causes and 7 tips to get rid of it
Do you have problems with dry and cracked skin on your hands? In this article, you will learn how to take care of cracked hands effectively so that they do not bother you and do not limit your daily activities.
Causes of cracked skin on hands and fingers
If you have peeling skin on your hands, painful cracks on your fingers or cracked hands into blood, it is always important to find out what caused the cracked hands so that you can choose the appropriate treatment. There are a number of reasons why the skin on your hands is cracking.
The most common include:
External influences
Many people suffer from dry skin on their hands in the winter. This is because frost and wind reduce the humidity in the air and dry out the skin. This can lead to cracked skin on the fingers.
Ageing
The older you get, the thinner and less elastic your skin becomes. This is caused by reduced collagen and elastin production, loss of the fat layer under the skin and changes in the deeper layers of the skin. Reduced sebum production also contributes to the cracking of the skin on your hands.
Chemicals and frequent washing
If you wash your hands frequently, you can damage your skin's protective barrier. In addition, when you use disinfectants to wash, excessive drying and irritation of the skin occurs.
Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake results in loss of elasticity, dryness, less resistance and cracks in the skin.
Inadequate care of the skin on the hands
Hands that are not cared for are prone to dryness and cracking. This problem is especially common during the winter months or in environments with low humidity, when the cold, dry air makes the skin even drier.
Lack of vitamins and minerals
Deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals (especially vitamins A, E, C, zinc and iodine) can also cause cracking.
Atopic eczema
Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition where your skin is red, dry and irritated. It may peel or blister.
It's not just adults who suffer from cracked skin on their hands, but children too. Peeling skin on fingers in children is often caused by frequent washing, because children have not yet fully developed a protective skin barrier. To alleviate this problem, reduce the frequency and duration of bathing, use warm rather than hot water, and apply baby moisturisers after washing.
7 effective tips for chapped hands
For peeling skin on your hands and fingers, but also as a prevention, try some of the effective methods to regenerate your hands.
1. Use mild detergents and reduce the frequency of washing
Avoid hot water, frequent hand washing and aggressive soaps. Wear protective gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
2. Moisturisers and protection from frost and sunlight
Without adequate hydration, the skin loses its elasticity and can become dry and cracked. Therefore, always moisturise your hands when they feel dry and tight, even during the day, especially after each wash.
During the day, opt for lighter hand moisturisers, such as those with glycerol, calendula and shea or cocoa butter. These not only soften the skin, but also improve its elasticity and are quickly absorbed. Older skin benefits from products containing ceramides.
At night, use oilier creams that create a protective film on the skin, help retain moisture, promote skin regeneration and reduce dryness. For very dry hands, ingredients such as lanolin, oat extracts, urea, lactic acid, cosmetic petroleum jelly, beeswax or oils (almond, sea buckthorn, jojoba, etc.) are ideal.
In winter, protect your hands with gloves and in summer, use a cream with SPF.
3. Hand cream for cracked hands - Dermaguard
Dermaguard cream is specially formulated for dry and atopic skin. It provides long-lasting hydration, creates a protective barrier on the skin and is suitable for very sensitive skin. You can order it on our e-shop.
4. Overnight moisturizing wraps
For deep hydration, apply a greasy cream or natural oil (e.g. coconut or olive oil) to your hands and leave it on overnight under cotton gloves.
5. Homemade scrub
Create a gentle scrub by mixing sugar with olive oil or oatmeal with honey.
6. Liquid bandage
Apply a liquid bandage to cracks and fissures for faster healing. This is a special product that forms a transparent protective film on the skin, promoting healing while protecting the affected area from bacteria and dirt.
7. Prescription treatment
If you suffer from eczema, your doctor will prescribe medication or treatment to help relieve the symptoms.
All of these methods provide immediate relief, but also provide long-term care for the skin of your hands, and help keep your hands healthy and hydrated. By incorporating these steps into your daily regimen, you will greatly reduce your risk of developing chapped hands.
