Dry, cracked skin on your fingers is more than just embarrassment.It can make it hard to use your hands.You can heal your cracked skin at home.With proper care, your skin can become soft and smooth again.It is possible to keep the condition from returning if you continue to protect your skin after it heals.
Step 1: It's a good idea to use a mild, gentle soap.
Many soaps contain ingredients that can dry out your skin.These soaps will make your condition worse if you already have cracked skin.Look for a liquid soap with words like "gentle" on the label, or that state clearly that they are for sensitive skin.Bar soaps tend to dry your skin out more than liquid soaps.If you prefer bar soap with soothing ingredients, look for one that is oil-based.Do not use anti-bacterial gels to clean your hands.They contain alcohol and can make the condition worse.
Step 2: It's better to wash in warm water.
It dries out your skin.It's possible that washing your hands in cold water won't get them as clean as you want.Warm water is a good choice.The temperature can be measured with the inside of your arm.If the rest of your skin is dry, try to use warm water in the bath or shower.
Step 3: Take a bath or shower for less than 10 minutes.
Long exposure to water can dry out your skin.The water strips the oils from your skin.If you're experiencing dry skin on other parts of your body, you might want to switch to a gentle liquid bath or shower wash.Bath and shower washes are designed for babies and children.
Step 4: After washing, bathing, or showering, gently pat your skin dry.
When you've washed your skin, pat it dry instead of rubbing it.The peeling of cracked, dry skin can be worsened by rubbing your skin.A soft towel is more gentle on your skin than a paper towel.Don't use air dryers on cracked skin because the heat will cause excessive dry skin and make your condition worse.Hand dryers and paper towels may not be available in public places where you want to dry your hands.
Step 5: It's a bad idea to use lotion with fragrances and other chemicals.
The drying agents that act on your skin are fragrances and chemicals.Fragrant compounds are alcohol-based, which dries out your skin.If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for a lotion that is oil- or cream-based.Some fragrances and chemicals can cause an allergic reaction, which may be a part of the problem with your dry skin.It's possible that the cracked skin on your fingers is a result of using a fragranced lotion.
Step 6: Immediately after drying your hands, use an oil or cream moisturizer.
After drying your hands, gently apply an oil- or cream-based moisturizer.After the moisturizer is absorbed, gently massage your hands and fingers to help it absorb more deeply.The natural oils in your skin will be locked in by this.If you don't want to rub it on your hands, put a small amount of the moisturizer all over them.You don't want to make it worse.If your skin still feels dry, you may want to apply the same product again.
Step 7: You can treat your hands overnight.
If you have cracks in your hands, you can wash them with an anti-bacterial ointment.After that has dried, apply a thicker substance to your hands and fingers.Light cotton gloves are good for covering your hands.Ointments that contain petroleum jelly help heal cracked skin better than anything else.These ointments will feel greasy and may affect your activity during the day.Thin cotton socks can work if you don't have gloves.They can slip off during the night and you may end up with grease stains on your sheets.
Step 8: If you're working with harsh cleansers, use rubber gloves.
Cleaning can be painful if you have cracked skin on your fingers.If you're cleaning the bathroom or washing dishes, rubber gloves can protect your cracked skin and keep it from getting worse.The rubber gloves are better for your skin.Dry, cracked skin can be made worse by rubber gloves.Before you put your gloves on, make sure they are completely dry on the inside.If you're going to reuse rubber gloves, take them off from the wrist so that they don't come in contact with your skin.Hang them up to dry.
Step 9: Try a liquid skin bandage.
Liquid skin bandages work to keep water andbacteria out of the skin while it heals.You can buy them at any pharmacy or drug store.Most liquid skin bandages come with something to apply it to.You should wash and dry your hands.You should wait a minute to make sure the skin is dry.The liquid skin bandage needs to be painted over the deeper crack.Give the liquid skin bandage a minute to dry.Pull on your skin to see if the edges move.Apply an extra layer if they do.Liquid skin bandages are waterproof and can last up to a week.
Step 10: If it's cold outside, you should wear gloves.
Cold weather can cause dry skin on fingers.Invest in a good pair of gloves and wear them when the temperature is below 36 F.It is possible to wash your hands before putting on gloves.It is recommended that you wash your gloves at least once a week.