How can dry hands be treated and prevented?
Dry, irritated hands? Discover our tips and tricks to relieve, repair and protect them effectively on a daily basis.
Dry hands: how to care for them?
The skin on the hands is particularly exposed and can become dry. Discover our tips and tricks to protect them and prevent irritation.
Symptoms of dry hands include redness and itching. When hands are extremely dry, the skin can even become rough, cracked and creviced. As with chapped lips, hands are particularly fragile due to the thinness of the skin and the absence of a hydrolipidic film.
What causes dry hands?
Hands become dry when the skin's protective film is weakened and no longer able to maintain optimal moisture levels. Dehydrated skin is less flexible, which increases the risk of cracking.
The skin on the hands is very thin and particularly exposed to external aggressions that contribute to dry skin (link to article).
External aggression
External factors that weaken the skin on the hands include :
- Use of antibacterial gel
- Temperature variations
- Exposure to cold, wind and dry air
- frequent hand washing in hot, hard water
Use of products containing irritating ingredients (soaps, shampoos, detergents, cleaning products)
Bad habits
Certain habits can also accentuate the problem of dry hands, such as :
- Washing hands too often
- Recurrent household chores involving the use of abrasive or irritating products in direct contact with the skin
- Lack of moisturizing
What are the risk factors for dry hands?
People with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis are at greater risk of developing wounds or cracks, which are entry points for bacteria.
Pregnant women are also prone to dehydrated skin and the symptoms of dry hands. Aging skin also contributes to dryness.
Thanks to our tips and best practices, you can prevent the onset of dry hand symptoms and also learn how to care for your skin to keep it supple and moisturized.
When your hands are dry and damaged, the appearance of chapped skin can lead to infection and cause even more pain. To care for your hands in the event of serious cracks, use a urea-based cream, an emollient and softener that will promote healing. Also cover your wounds to create a protective barrier against external aggression.
To protect your hands from cold, hot water and irritating products, we recommend wearing gloves. The less your hands are exposed, the greater their protection.
For hand washing, opt for gentle, non-irritating products. Use lukewarm water and pat your hands dry with a clean towel.
Bioderma Atoderm shower gel is a soap-free cleanser for dry, sensitive skin. It maintains skin balance and soothes feelings of tightness.
It's essential to moisturize your hands regularly to ensure optimum hydration and reinforce the skin's protective barrier. Apply a moisturizing cream at least 3 times a day, and in the evening before going to bed, to optimize skin regeneration.
Bioderma Atoderm hand and nail cream is a non-greasy cream that visibly restores moisture to the hands. It soothes feelings of discomfort and helps improve the skin barrier.
After applying your cream, you can use cotton or silk gloves and slip your hands into them to promote penetration and boost hydration.
When should you seek medical attention for dry hands?
If your symptoms worsen, and your skin becomes hot and swollen with the onset of fever, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Which ingredients are recommended for hand care?
Several ingredients are very good for moisturizing hands and helping to prevent the onset of dry hand symptoms.
- Les Vitamins A and E contribute to skin hydration, while Aloe vera restores suppleness.
- Oily ingredients, such as glycerin, reinforce the skin's protective barrier.
- Shea butter and vegetable oils are powerful allies for optimal hydration, and are also very useful for treating chapped skin.