4 Ways to Soothe Chapped Hands

Do your hands feel as rough and grainy as concrete? It’s that time of year when the combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor air wreak havoc on our skin, particularly our hard-working hands. Don’t let them suffer. Considering all they do for us, it’s time to smooth their cracks and calm their angry red patches.

1. Avoid excessive hand washing

These days we’re been conditioned to frequently wash our hands to avoid any germs, but excessive hand washing, particularly with hot water, can be drying and irritating. Soap and water can strip skin of its natural oils and result in dried, chapped hands that can crack and bleed if left untreated, warns WebMD.com. Balance good hygiene while limiting over-washing. And cleanse with mild soap in tepid, not hot, water.

2. Moisturize religiously

Apply moisturizer every time you wash your hands, bathe or shower, or head outside to exercise in the cold. Consider smoothing petroleum jelly on your scaly hands, or if they are badly chapped, strong hydrocortisone creams are available by prescription. For a more natural treatment, try an olive oil and sugar scrub from RealSimple.com. Combine a ¼-teaspoon each of sugar and olive oil and massage it into the backs of hands once a week. “Olive oil is a wonderful source of moisturizing omega-3 fatty acids, and the sugar buffs away rough patches,” Ellen Sirot, a hand model in New York City, tells RealSimple.

3. Humidify your home

Winter is especially tough on hands and skin in general. Cold air robs skin of its moisture, and heated indoor air is especially drying. Using a humidifier in your home will add moisture to indoor air and help lubricate your skin, nose, and lips. Aim for a humidity level of between 30 and 50 percent, advises WebMD.com; otherwise, your home could develop mold, dust mites, and fungi problems.

4. Protect your hands

Wear gloves or mittens when heading out into the cold. Be sure to pull on gloves when using irritating cleaning products around the house. Choose moisturizing products that are oil based and will create a protective layer on skin, skin care experts say. Those containing urea or lactic acid — ingredients that help skin retain water — can be particularly effective, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If your skin doesn’t improve after regular moisturizing, or its condition worsens, see your doctor or dermatologist.