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Chapped hands

Hands - chapped and dry

 

Information

To prevent chapped hands:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure or exposure to extreme cold or wind
  • Avoid washing hands with hot water
  • Limit hand washing as much as possible while maintaining good hygiene
  • Try to keep the air in your home humid
  • Use mild soaps or non-soap cleansers
  • Use moisturizing lotions on your hands regularly, especially if you live in a dry climate

To soothe chapped and sore hands:

  • Apply skin lotion frequently (if this does not work, try creams or ointments)
  • Avoid putting your hands in water unless necessary
  • If your hands do not improve, contact a dermatologist
  • Very strong hydrocortisone creams (available by prescription) are recommended for badly chapped hands
  • Wear gloves for doing everyday chores (cotton is best)

 

References

Habif TP. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 3.

Paige DG, Wakelin SH. Skin disease. In: Kumar P, Clark M, eds. Kumar and Clarke's Clinical Medicine . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 31.

 
  • Chapped hands - illustration

    Chapped hands can be sore and painful. Chapped hands may be soothed by the use of moisturizing lotions and the avoidance of excess exposure to water. If hands become badly chapped, hydrocortisone creams (available over the counter) can be used to help heal and soothe dry skin.

    Chapped hands

    illustration

    • Chapped hands - illustration

      Chapped hands can be sore and painful. Chapped hands may be soothed by the use of moisturizing lotions and the avoidance of excess exposure to water. If hands become badly chapped, hydrocortisone creams (available over the counter) can be used to help heal and soothe dry skin.

      Chapped hands

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Chapped hands

         

           

          Review Date: 12/10/2016

          Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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