Dry Hands (Hand Dermatitis)
Why do I have dry hands?
Hands are exposed to weather, frequent washing, and household or workplace chemicals, which can dry out the skin. Low humidity in winter makes it worse. Increased handwashing and sanitizer add to the problem. When the skin becomes very dry, it cracks or fissures on the knuckles or sides of the fingers, which can be painful when lotions, foods, or chemicals contact them.
How to avoid dry hands with handwashing:
Use lukewarm water and gentle soap. Avoid hot water.
Pat hands dry instead of rubbing.
Apply a moisturizing cream afterward. CeraVe cream or Vanicream are excellent choices—they’re non-greasy and non-sticky.
Tip: Avoid lotions, which contain more alcohol and can worsen dryness.
How to avoid dry hands while using hand sanitizer:
Choose a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol that contains a moisturizer. Avoid strong fragrances.
Apply a moisturizing cream immediately afterward. CeraVe cream or Vanicream are excellent choices—they’re non-greasy and non-sticky.
Tip: Avoid lotions, which contain more alcohol and can worsen dryness.
Additional tips to avoid dry hands:
Avoid lotions—they contain more alcohol than creams and can dry out your skin.
Use fragrance-free moisturizing creams to reduce irritation.
What is the difference between lotions, creams, and ointments?
The main difference between these types of moisturizers is how much water and alcohol they contain. This changes how thick or greasy they feel—and how well they work for dry skin.
LOTIONS:
Lotions have the most water and alcohol. They are thin, spread easily, and feel less greasy—but they usually do not fix dry skin well.
CREAMS:
Creams are in the middle (like Goldilocks)—not too thick, not too thin. They have less alcohol than lotions and are the best choice for most people with dry skin.
Great cream options: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
Natural butters like cocoa butter and shea butter (from cocoa beans or African shea nuts) are also excellent because they are rich in fatty acids. Choose versions with minimal fragrance. Vaseline also makes a great cocoa butter product.
OINTMENTS:
Ointments are the thickest and have little to no alcohol. They are usually just petrolatum (Vaseline) or a mix of petrolatum and mineral oil (Aquaphor) or ceramides (CeraVe). They are the best at locking in moisture and healing very dry or cracked skin—but they are also the greasiest.
How to fix dry hands:
Moisturize after every hand wash or use of hand sanitizer.
Evening vinegar soaks can help improve the skin.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment soothes irritation.
At bedtime, apply hydrocortisone, then a thick layer of moisturizing cream or Vaseline, and wear cotton or plastic gloves overnight.
For deep cracks (fissures), carefully close the fissure and apply a thin strip of super glue to protect the skin.
What if my dry hands aren’t improving?
Most people improve with the steps above. If dryness persists, it could be due to sensitive skin, allergies, or hand eczema (more common in those with childhood eczema). When over-the-counter options fail, prescription topical steroids or patch testing can help. Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.