Relief for Cracked Dry Skin on Hands

Cracked, dry skin on hands... a complaint I hear often. While this frequently occurs in cold weather, it can happen any time of the year.

Cracked, dry skin on hands is painful, itches, and burns. It may seem like a minor condition, unless you are the victim! I know personally it is embarrassing and agonizing. If you suffer with this, then...

You need help!

The remedies below are dermatologist recommended and they work.

Most of the time hands are exposed to the elements. They are vulnerable to the ravishes of cold weather, harsh soaps, and those inevitable house-cleaning chores. These everyday occurrences are brutal to skin... particularly to hands.

What's the solution? Hands thrive on ample moisture, protection, and a bit of TLC.

Cracked Dry Skin on Hands - Relief!

• Eliminate unnecessary hand washing. Sure you want sanitary hands... just don't overdue it. When possible, wash only your palms. Skin on the back of hands is very thin and dries out easily.
• Choose a mild, natural cleanser. Skip the anti-bacterial soaps. They contain controversial chemicals and are are extremely drying. For sanitizing on the go, choose a natural hand sanitizer.
• Avoid hot-air blow dryers. Again, these are drying. Instead, use a towel and gently pat hands dry.
• Apply a natural moisturizerafter every hand wash. Repeat several times during the day. Keep small containers of hand cream by your sink, in your purse (ladies), and near your desk.
• Wear gloves for dish washing and cleaning chores. Slip a pair of cotton gloves underneath rubber gloves to absorb sweat. Keep the cotton ones clean by washing frequently.

Note: Avoid rubber gloves if you are allergic to latex. A long-handled brush will keep your hands out of the dishwater.


• Use mild, natural housecleaning products... kinder to you and the environment.
• Wear gloves or mittens for outside protection in cold weather.

Diligence is key. Unfortunately, if you are prone to dry skin this battle will be ongoing.

The following overnight treatment works wonders for red, cracked, burning hands. Try it!

White Glove Treatment

- First, slather on a thick layer of Un-Petroleum Jelly (the natural alternative to petroleum jelly) or natural body butter.

- Next, slip on a pair of white cotton gloves. If you don't have gloves, use white cotton socks. They may look silly, but they get the job done.

Wake up in the morning...

Voilà… soft, beautiful hands!

Depending on the extent of dryness and damage, you may need to repeat this treatment a few nights in a row.

Another remedy comes from the The National Jewish Medical and Research Center …

“Soak and Seal”

Soak your hands in plain, lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes. Use a small pan and no soap. This hydrates your dry skin. Gently pat damp dry. Immediately seal the moisture in your hands with a thick layer of natural moisturizer.

If the cracked dry skin on your hands doesn't respond to home care, seek medical attention. Dry, scaly and itchy skin may be an indication of something more serious, such as eczema.

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