Preventing Chapped Hands

Our skin contains certain amount of water. When the level of water decreases in the skin, it becomes dry, itchy and uncomfortable. As hands are exposed more to different conditions than other parts of the body they get affected very easily and frequently and become dry and chapped.

Chapped hands appear rough, dry, red, peeled, cracked and are also sensitive to harsh materials such as some detergents, chemicals etc.

Causes

Basically this problem usually happens in winters when dry air is blowing all around and humidity levels are also low. These conditions make the skin dry. Also, sometimes taking bath for long also makes the skin dry. Another reason is increasing age. As a person grows old the amount of oil produced by the body reduces and hence hands become dry and chapped.

Prevention

To prevent chapped hands one has to moisturize them regularly. Use moisturizer having aloe vera in it. Always wash your hands with a mild soap after doing any work.

Dry them nicely and do not leave them wet as water in between the fingers can cause some fungi or bacteria to grow and cause infection. After the bath and also at night before you sleep, apply a good moisturizer that suits your skin. Not only hands but also every body part should be moisturized daily especially during winters.

Mix glycerin with lemon juice and rub on the hands before sleep at night and wash the hands in the morning. Hands would become soft if continued for some days. Soak your hands in warm water for some time and then completely dry them by a towel and rub vegetable oil on the hands. By doing this hands would soak some amount of water and hands would not remain dry. Drink lots of water so that your skin can breathe easily and remain moist.

Take some oats and grind them. Put them in large bowl and rub on the hands this would remove the dead skin on the hands. After a few minutes wash your hands with cold water and dry them off. Do not forget to apply a good cream after this process.

If you have cracks and splits on your hands then you could have hand eczema so visit a dermatologist immediately.