Have you noticed that your hands, which usually feel fine, are suddenly dry? Most dry hands occur in the winter due to the weather [1]. It becomes harder for the body to maintain moisture when the weather turns cold. As a result of the lack of moisture in the air, the skin and hands become dry. Fireplace owners understand this reaction. Here are five easy tips for treating those dry hands.
1. Moisturizers
This is the number one treatment that has been around for many years. You can purchase lotions in most stores. Choose your treatment: dry skin or super dry and chapped knuckles. Some lotions contain aloe vera, which adds a healing element to your moisture.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
I notice that when I wash dishes in the winter, my hands are more likely to dry out than at other times of the year. Maybe trying a less harsh dish soap can prevent some of the drying. Wearing gloves is a good protectant, too.
3. Humidifier
Although cold, dry weather zaps any moisture from the air, a humidifier can add it back. No humidifier? Try boiling dry beans for a couple of hours. That adds moisture, and you have healthy beans for dinner.
4. Avoid Hot Air Dryers
The skin is prone to dryness when using hot air dryers. Hot, dry air can overdry the hands. Whenever possible, use paper towels and pat your hands dry. A hairdryer and furnace vent are also examples of this.
5. Exfoliate
Try removing the dead skin. Using commercial exfoliates is beneficial, along with raw or cooked oats added to water.
Conclusion
Dry hands are a normal occurrence for most people from time to time. For treating and preventing dry hands, over-the-counter creams and home remedies usually suffice. If you don’t see any improvement from home remedies or notice any other symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Notes:
- ^ {Dry hands: Home remedies and causes} (go back ↩)
