Dry hands

One of the most common cosmetic problems that women have to deal with is dry skin on their hands. The causes of dryness are hidden behind the loss of moisture, which is essential for our skin. Lack of moisture leads to hands becoming rough, dry, cracked and red. How can we help our hands, which have to do so much during the day? Is it possible to achieve a lasting effect and get rid of dryness for a long time?

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Causes of dry skin on hands

Dehydration of the surface of the hands can occur under the influence of external and internal factors. External factors can be the following:

• influence of natural factors: direct sunlight, frosty air, strong wind, etc.;
• low humidity in the room (for example, in winter when the heating is on);
• frequent exposure of the skin of the hands to detergents (soap, detergent, washing powder, cleaning solutions, etc.);
• ignoring hand care products, or choosing the wrong products.

Internal factors are causes that are hidden inside the body itself:

• skin problems, allergic reactions;
• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism);
• deficiency or poor absorption of retinol (vit. A);
• hereditary skin diseases;
• age-related changes in the skin;
• anemia, dysbacteriosis.

Why is it important for us to know the causes of dry skin? If the cause is not eliminated, the treatment may be unsuccessful, and no means, even the most expensive, will help. Therefore, before you begin to eliminate the problem, it is necessary to remove the causal factor of the poor skin condition.

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Dry skin on palms

The skin surface on the palms is most exposed to external influences - after all, this is the main working surface of the hands. It is not uncommon for the palms to become flaky, red, and dry.

Small light scales on the palmar area may indicate a vitamin deficiency (for example, A and D).

If the dryness and flaking of the skin of the hands are significant, then one can suspect a fungal infection or an exfoliative form of keratolysis - a condition in which the skin becomes dry and flaky for no apparent reason.

However, the main reason for dry skin on the palms remains a lack of moisture. Consider whether you need to pay attention to the detergent you use to wash your hands (especially if you use antibacterial soap – you can’t use it for a long time). If you replace such soap with a cream-gel or other special moisturizers, this can have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.

Avoid overcooling your extremities – wear gloves in cold weather. If none of these methods help, see a doctor: dryness can also be a sign of eczema and other dermatological problems.

Dry skin of hands and feet

Adult patients often complain that the skin on their heels and elbows becomes dry and rough. This is possible, because in these areas the skin has a thicker stratum corneum, so these areas should be given more attention.

So what can you do besides using emollient cream and other care products?

First of all, review your diet – your diet should be enriched with fatty acids. You need to eat fatty fish, avocado, homemade sour cream and milk.

Choose a mild cleanser or shower gel and wash yourself gently, paying special attention to dry areas. After showering, be sure to treat your skin with a moisturizing cream or lotion.

It is important to consider that the skin surfaces on the legs and arms can become dry with some pathologies. This may be a manifestation of psoriasis - the palmar-plantar form of the disease, which is characterized by itching, dryness, peeling of the skin. It may also be a symptom of dermatitis, in which both the skin layers and the sebaceous glands suffer. In these situations, complex therapy will most likely be required - and this means that you need to consult a doctor for advice and treatment.

Dry skin on fingers

When the skin on your fingers becomes dry, this is one of the symptoms of a lack of moisture in the outer layer of the epidermis. The epidermal tissue is the outer horny layer, which usually holds a very small amount of water (no more than 20%). If the body is not sufficiently hydrated, the epidermal layer feels this moisture deficit more than other tissues. As a result, metabolic processes slow down, tissue nutrition slows down, and the outer layers become dry and dull. At the same time, the condition of the nails may worsen.

In addition to the fact that dehydration makes the skin dry, it becomes more vulnerable to various bacteria and microbes that can penetrate through the resulting cracks and cause various skin diseases.

Unfortunately, dry fingers are a very common condition, most common in elderly patients. Due to age-related changes, the skin requires regular enhanced care. Already in middle age, the use of hand protection should become a daily necessary ritual, as well as mandatory care of the body and skin on the face.

Dry skin and cracks on hands

If your hands have become dry and small cracks and "snags" have appeared on the surface, then, first of all, you can assume a deficiency of vitamins and a disorder of the sebaceous glands. What factors can provoke such a condition:

• frequent hand washing, especially with hot water and detergents;
• use of alkalis, aggressive detergents and cleaning agents without wearing protective gloves;
• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction);
• hypo- and avitaminosis, nutritional deficiencies, long-term and strict diets, unbalanced diet;
• environmental influences (prolonged exposure to wind, frosty air or ultraviolet radiation);
• natural age-related changes.

To correct the situation, it is important not only to choose effective cosmetics for hand care. Among other things, you should make adjustments to your diet:

• eat a lot of greens, fruits, berries, vegetables, natural products;
• pay attention to the sufficient content of vitamins B, E, A and ascorbic acid in foods;
• drink at least one and a half to two liters of water per day;
• Avoid completely fat-free products.

In addition to diet, try to lead an active lifestyle: walk in the fresh air, avoid stressful situations, get enough rest, devote enough time to work, sleep and rest.

Dry skin and redness of hands

The appearance of dryness and redness on the hands at the same time can be a consequence of various reasons.

• Incompetent care or lack of hand care can provoke not only redness and peeling, but also the appearance of blisters and dermatitis. Remember that in the summer, hands require moisturizing, and in the cold season - nutrition. Therefore, select care products depending on the needs of the skin. Do not neglect gloves in the winter.
• Using chemical dishwashing detergents or doing laundry without gloves can also lead to dry spots and stains on your hands. Don't be lazy, try to protect your hands from aggressive chemicals. After doing housework, be sure to apply a softening cream to your hands.
• An allergic response of the body can manifest itself in sunlight, medicines, food, cosmetics. In cases of allergy, in addition to redness and peeling, itching may be present. Consult a doctor: they will help you find the provoking allergen, after which they will prescribe effective antihistamines.
• Dermatological problems can also be the cause of redness and dry skin. This may indicate the development of psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen, eczema. In such cases, you cannot do without the help of a dermatologist.

Remember that skin problems are not always harmless: in some cases, they may indicate a serious illness.

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Dry skin of hands in children

In children, the outer layer of the epidermis can dry out for many reasons. Among these reasons are frequent water procedures, increased water hardness, early weaning from breastfeeding, poor nutrition of the mother during pregnancy or lactation, gastrointestinal diseases (in particular, intestines), use of unsuitable bathing products, etc.

It should not be forgotten that the surface of the child's skin is extremely thin and sensitive, which is why there is a reaction to absolutely any irritation. Even ordinary baby talc can dry out the skin surface. In addition, the sebaceous glands of the smallest children may not yet be sufficiently developed.

Is it necessary to treat the overly sensitive skin of the baby's hands? As a rule, over time, when the function of the baby's glands returns to normal, the condition of the skin surface normalizes on its own. If this does not happen, consult a doctor: it may be necessary to review the diet of both the mother and the baby. In some cases, the doctor may recommend special baby creams or ointments.

Dry skin of hands and face

Very often, the skin on the hands and face becomes dehydrated at the same time. This phenomenon is especially common in women who actively follow various diets for weight loss. This situation is considered in two variants:

• The woman adheres to a very strict and rigid diet, in which the body suffers from a deficiency of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
• The patient uses specific drugs to get rid of extra pounds, which have, among other things, diuretic and laxative properties. Under the influence of such drugs, not only excess but also necessary fluid is removed from the body, resulting in tissue dehydration.

Considering the possible causes, in such cases it is recommended to drink enough liquid (at least two liters), and also to diversify your diet with all kinds of low-calorie vegetables, greens, fruits and berries, fermented milk products and natural freshly squeezed juices. It is better to exclude strong tea and coffee - they have a diuretic effect and only increase the symptoms of tissue dehydration.

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Dry skin between fingers

When the skin between the fingers dries out, there are a number of possible causes. However, most of them are related to the lack of hand care (or improper care), the general condition of the body, living conditions and professional activities, and nutrition. If a woman washes or does dishes without gloves, then residues of washing powder or detergent accumulate between the fingers, which subsequently manifests itself as dry skin.

Also, interdigital peeling can be a consequence of a lack of vitamins in the body (groups B and A), as well as a symptom of a fungal infection.

What can be done to prevent the spaces between the toes from drying out?

• After washing your hands, you need to dry them thoroughly, paying attention to the areas between the fingers.
• When doing laundry or washing dishes, you should use rubber gloves.
• You can't leave your hands wet, and especially don't go outside looking like that.
• It is not recommended to be in frosty weather without warm gloves.
• It is important to choose the right product (cream or ointment) for your hands and use it regularly.

Hands require care no less than the skin on the face or other parts of the body.

Severe dry skin on hands

Increased dryness can be caused by diseases of some internal organs, such as the liver, intestines, and thyroid gland.

Thyroid dysfunction manifests itself as apathy, lethargy, constipation, dehydration of the skin and cold extremities. The thyroid gland is treated by a doctor after a thorough diagnosis.

Intestinal disorders also affect the condition of the skin, since intestinal problems disrupt the absorption of vital nutrients and vitamins. A person can eat right and even take additional vitamin and mineral complexes, but there will be no result, since the necessary substances are not absorbed and leave the digestive tract in transit.

In liver diseases, patients often complain of symptoms such as pale and dry skin, heaviness in the right hypochondrium, loss of appetite, and bouts of nausea. Hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver are serious diseases and are treated only by a specialist. However, before making any conclusions about severe dry skin, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination.

Treatment of dry skin of hands

Treatment of dehydration of the superficial layers should be treated based on the underlying cause of this condition. For example, if the whole problem is the lack of proper hand care, then it is necessary to provide it: buy a good cream, scrub, mask to restore the moisture of the skin, and use these products regularly.

If the poor condition of your hands is caused by any pathology, you should consult a doctor and treat the specific disease, be it diabetes, dermatitis or enterocolitis.

We can also give general recommendations for solving the problem of dehydration of the skin surface:

• It is useful to include in the menu foods that contain vitamins in sufficient quantities - these can be vegetables, cereals, nuts, greens, fruits;
• It is advisable to eliminate sweets, chocolate, caffeinated drinks and fried foods from your diet;
• It is important to get rid of bad habits – not to smoke or drink alcohol;
• It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day – clean, non-carbonated, without additives;
• a good effect can be achieved by simply massaging the hands and palms using a moisturizing cream - this promotes the flow of oxygen and improves tissue trophism;
• In winter, you should not forget about maintaining optimal air humidity in your apartment, and also about wearing mittens or gloves when going outside.

How to eliminate dry skin on your hands?

If your skin is dehydrated, do not use regular soap: try switching to cream soap, which contains a nourishing agent that softens the epidermis.

• After washing your hands, do not forget to dry them thoroughly with a soft towel.
• If you wash your hands in warm or hot water, finish the procedure with a cool rinse - this will activate blood circulation in the surface tissues.
• When going outside, remember that your hands should be dry, and in cold weather, wear gloves.
• After your morning hygiene procedures, as well as at night, do not forget to use a moisturizing cream with glycerin.
• When going outside in hot weather, use a cream with UV protection.
• Carry out all household chores involving water and detergents wearing protective latex gloves.
• It would not be a bad idea to use a scrub – this helps remove dead skin flakes.
• If you have time, after applying the cream to your hands, it is useful to put on cellophane gloves for about half an hour.

Remedies for dry skin of hands

To restore the skin's water balance, you can also try folk remedies. The most popular of these are masks and hand baths.

Use of masks:

• Mix 1 tbsp of warm vegetable oil with 1 tsp of any cream and ½ tsp of lemon juice. Mix the mixture and spread it over the skin of your hands, put on gloves on top. Use this remedy at night, once a week;
• beat the egg white, add 2 tbsp. lemon juice, apply to hands for about 15 minutes, then rinse with water and fix the effect with moisturizing cream;
• dip your hands in warm oatmeal seasoned with vegetable oil for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, wash your hands in warm water;
• Separate two yolks, mix with 2 tbsp. natural honey and the same amount of vegetable oil. Spread the mixture over the skin surface and wait until the mask dries. After that, wash off the mixture with warm water.

Using baths:

• dip your hands into a warm chamomile infusion for about 20 minutes. There is no need to wash off the infusion: just dry your hands and apply a moisturizer on top;
• heat the whey to +40°C, dip your hands into it and wait for about 20 minutes. After that, dry your hands;
• We dip the brushes into warm vegetable oil.

You can also add essential oils to the baths at your discretion. Bergamot, mint, lavender, citrus, and clove oils are suitable for the procedures.

Cream for dry skin of hands

• Hydroactive cream with triple action (Hydro active) is a regenerating agent for sensitive skin of hands, as well as for improving the condition of nails. Protects the skin from the harmful effects of detergents and cleaning agents.
• Cream "Velour" (Kalina concern) - intensively moisturizes and protects hands, eliminates small scratches and cracks. Contains chamomile extract, glycerin and vitamin F.
• Cream "Salon spa" moisturizing and smoothing, contains laminaria, fucus and silk. Gives skin surface tone, removes peeling, eliminates lethargy, nourishes.
• Doctor Sante Cream "Gentle Silk, Nutrition" cares for sensitive and flaky skin, does not leave an unpleasant feeling of stickiness or heaviness after application. It is a well-thought-out combination of intensive moisturizing substances and plant waxes.
• Cream "Home recipes - softening" contains peach oil and royal jelly. The combination of these ingredients relieves inflammation, slows down ageing processes, helps retain moisture in the surface layers.
• Handson Biocream-moisturizing cream deeply moisturizes the outer layers. Contains plant extracts of angelica and lungwort.

Ointment for dry skin of hands

• Boro Plus ointment is a universal cosmetic ointment that eliminates the cause of inflammatory elements on the skin surface, deeply cleanses and optimizes local metabolism, and restores the function of the sebaceous glands.
• Radevit ointment is a combined anti-inflammatory and restorative agent. Reduces itching, makes the skin softer and moisturizes it, supporting the protective function of the surface layer. Contains retinol, tocopherol and ergocalciferol (vitamins A, E and D).
• Bepanten ointment 5% is a product based on provitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Provides restoration of the skin, accelerates metabolic processes in tissues, strengthens collagen fibers, and perfectly moisturizes. Helps with cracks, scratches, inflammatory elements, etc.
• Neutrogenia ointment restores the protective layer, preventing moisture from leaving the epidermis. Intensively moisturizes, provides a feeling of comfort, is easy to apply and is perfectly absorbed.
• You can also make the ointment yourself: use a mixture of salicylic ointment and glycerin, or mix equal parts of ammonia, medical alcohol, glycerin and distilled water. Apply this mixture to the skin surface several times a day. You can add essential oils or pharmacy capsules with sprouted wheat extract to the composition.

Vitamins for dry skin

To restore the water balance and nourish the skin, it is important to replenish the vitamin supply in the body. This can be achieved by increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits in the diet, or by starting to take multivitamin complex preparations. This will not only tidy up the skin, but also strengthen the body as a whole. What preparations are suitable for treating dry skin?

• Neurovitan is a complex preparation with B vitamins. It is taken in a course of 2 to 4 weeks. You can take up to four tablets per day.
• Vitrum Beauty is a specially selected complex of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. With regular use, it improves the condition of nails, hair and skin, stimulates metabolism and accelerates the removal of toxic substances from the body. Usually take 1 tablet up to 3 times a day.
• Alphabet Cosmetic is a preparation that combines all the most necessary microelements and vitamins to combat hypovitaminosis and microelement deficiency in the body. Take 3 tablets a day, at least 4 hours apart.
• Supradin Roche is a multivitamin complex that takes into account all the body's needs to restore the beauty and health of the skin and mucous membranes. Duration of treatment is at least a month. Dosage is one tablet once a day.

Today, you can buy a lot of products in the pharmacy that eliminate dry skin of the hands. But you should remember that the deterioration of the skin condition can happen for various reasons: take this into account when choosing a cosmetic or medical product for hand care.