Dry, cracked skin on your fingers can be embarrassing. In addition, this condition also makes your hands feel sore when you use them to carry out daily activities. Fortunately, you can heal chapped skin without the need for significant medical assistance. Although it may take a while, your skin can return to being smooth and soft with proper care. Continue to protect your skin (after it heals) so you don't get chapped again.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Hand Washing
Step 1. Use a mild, gentle, moisturizing soap
Many well-known soaps contain ingredients that can make the skin too dry. If the skin on your fingers has cracked, this type of soap can make the condition worse. Look for liquid soaps that say "gentle" (or "gentle") on the packaging, or say they are for sensitive skin.
- Bar soap can dry out the skin more than liquid soap, even though it contains moisturizers. If you prefer bar soap, look for one that is oil-based or contains soothing ingredients, such as oatmeal or aloe vera.
- Do not clean your hands with antibacterial gel. This product contains alcohol which can dry out the skin and make the condition worse.
Step 2. Wash your hands with warm, not hot water
The skin will be dry if you use hot water. However, washing your hands with cold water does not clean your hands well. Use warm or lukewarm water. Test the heat level with the inside of your arm, not your fingers.
Try soaking in warm water or using a warm shower, especially if the rest of your skin is also dry
Step 3. Bathe for no more than 5-10 minutes
While it may seem counterintuitive, prolonged exposure to water can actually dry out your skin. The water will liquefy and remove the oils that naturally moisturize the skin.
Maybe you can also switch to a mild liquid bath soap, especially if the dryness is also experienced on other parts of the skin. Liquid bath soaps made for children and babies are naturally gentle and unscented
Step 4. Dry the skin by patting it gently after you shower or wash it
When you're done washing your hands, gently pat your skin to dry it instead of rubbing it. Rubbing the skin can cause inflammation and make dry, cracked skin worse.
A washcloth or soft hand towel will be more comfortable on the skin than a tissue. Do not use the tumble dryer on cracked skin as the heat can cause excessive dryness and make the condition worse
Tip:
Bring a handkerchief to dry your hands in public as there may only be tissues and a hand dryer available.
Method 2 of 3: Moisturizing Skin
Step 1. Avoid lotions that contain fragrances and other chemicals
Fragrances and chemicals can dry out the skin and strip the skin of moisture. Fragrance is usually alcohol-based, which will also dry out the skin. Use an unscented lotion designed for sensitive, dry skin that is cream or oil based.
Some fragrances and chemicals can also cause allergic reactions, which can cause problems with dry skin. If you used a lotion that contained fragrance before, this may be causing the skin on your fingers to crack
Step 2. Apply moisturizer from cream or oil directly after you dry your hands
Dry your hands thoroughly, then apply a cream or oil-based moisturizer. This locks in the body's natural oils, and the moisture present in the skin will speed healing.
Dab a small amount of moisturizer all over your hands, then press until it's absorbed, but don't rub. This is to prevent the skin from peeling or cracking
Tip:
After the moisturizer is absorbed, gently massage your hands and fingers with steady pressure so that the moisturizer is absorbed more deeply. If your skin still feels dry, you can apply moisturizer again, repeating the same process.
Step 3. Treat hands with moisturizing ointment overnight
Wash your hands and cover any cracked skin with an antibacterial ointment (eg Neosporin). When it dries, apply a thicker ointment to the hands and fingers. Wear lightweight cotton gloves to keep the moisture in.
Ointments containing petrolatum (petroleum jelly) will lock in moisture and heal chapped skin better than other products. However, this product may feel greasy and can hinder activities during the day
Tip:
In a pinch, you can use light cotton socks if good gloves are not available. But remember, socks can come off when you sleep at night which can cause oil stains (from the ointment) on the sheets.
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Skin
Step 1. Wear rubber gloves when you use harsh cleaners
Cleaning is necessary, but if the skin on your fingers is cracked, you can feel pain. When washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, wear rubber gloves to protect chapped skin and prevent the condition from getting worse.
- Cloth-lined rubber gloves are usually better for the skin. Rubber gloves without a lining can cause friction, which can exacerbate dry, cracked skin.
- Make sure the inside of the glove is completely dry before you put it on.
Tip:
If you want to reuse the rubber gloves later, remove the gloves from your wrists to prevent the chemicals in the cleaner from touching your skin. Rinse the outside of the glove, then hang it to dry.
Step 2. Try using a liquid skin bandage for deep chapped skin
Liquid bandages cover deep skin cracks and prevent water and bacteria from penetrating the skin while the healing process is ongoing. These products can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores, or the internet.
- Most liquid bandages come with an applicator. Wash your hands, then dry them. You may have to wait a while for the skin to dry completely. Next, use the applicator to apply a liquid bandage to deep skin cracks.
- Let the liquid bandage dry. Gently pull on the leather to see if the edges of the leather along the crack move. If so, add another bandage.
- Liquid bandages are water-resistant and can last up to a week.
Step 3. Wear gloves when you go out in cold weather
Cold weather often makes finger skin dry and cracked. Buy good warm gloves and wear them when you're out in temperatures below 2°C.
- If possible, wash your hands and apply moisturizer before you put on your gloves.
- Wash gloves at least once a week with an unscented detergent designed for sensitive skin.
Tips
- If the symptoms do not go away with home remedies, consult a doctor or dermatologist. Cracked skin may be caused by another underlying condition, such as eczema.
- If the skin feels itchy, apply a cold compress to dry it, then follow up with a hydrocortisone cream to relieve the inflammation.
- If dry skin doesn't just happen to your hands, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home.
