How to heal dry, cracked hands

Frequent handwashing, sanitiser, detergents, cold air, and wet work can remove protective oils. The skin may feel tight, rough, sore, or itchy, with splits around the fingertips, knuckles, or nail folds. Dry Skin can make the barrier more fragile. Burning, marked itch, blisters, or recurrent inflammation may point toward hand eczema or contact irritation rather than uncomplicated dryness.

Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat rather than rub. Apply a thick cream or ointment immediately after washing and again before sleep. Wear protective gloves for cleaning, with cotton liners if sweating is a problem, and replace damaged gloves. Do not pull loose skin from a fissure. A pharmacist or dermatologist can recommend Emollient Therapy and investigate an irritant that keeps restarting the cracks.

Arrange an appointment when cracks persist despite careful protection, interfere with work or sleep, or keep returning in the same pattern. Get prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing pain. A fungal infection such as Athlete's Foot can occasionally involve the hands, particularly when scaling is one-sided or follows contact with an affected foot.

Could this be eczema, allergy, or infection? Which cleanser and barrier ointment should I use? Do I need a treatment for inflammation, and how can I protect my hands at work?