Dry Hands

Dry hands are a common complaint that frequently occur in the winter months causing them to feel  dry, itchy and uncomfortable.

There are several causes of dry hands, cold, dry weather is a major factor. Another common cause is age,  as we grow older, our skin produces less sebum (an oily substance, produced by the sebaceous glands to protect and lubricate the skin), causing it to be more prone to dryness. Other common causes of dry hands include;

Frequent hand washing.
Frequent exposure to household cleaners and detergents.  
Eczema.

Symptoms of dry hands:

Dryness is the most common symptom along with flakiness, itching & a feeling of tightness. Hands may feel rough to the touch.

Treating and preventing dry hands:

Preventing and treating dry hands starts with finding the cause & taking appropriate steps. This may include;

Rubber gloves: Always use rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing other chores which involve submerging hands in water.

Humidifier: During the winter months, use a humidifier in the home and office to increase humidity.

Gloves: Wear warm gloves when outdoors in the cooler weather to protect them from cold, wind and dry air.

Moisturise: Always use a moisturiser every time you wash your hands. Keep small containers in your handbag, on your desk, in the car etc.

Soap: Use a pH balanced soap, preferably one containing moisturisers.

Omega 3 oils taken daily can help with dry skin.

If you have extremely dry hands that don’t respond to treatment, excessive itching, bleeding, plaques or bleeding, see your doctor as there may be an underlying medical reason.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.