Washing and sanitizing your hands is essential to healthy hygiene and preventing bacteria and viruses from spreading. Unfortunately, cleansing your skin repeatedly throughout the day dries the skin and degrades its natural protective properties. Without this barrier, skin becomes dryer, less flexible and more prone to cracks, causing chapped hands.  

”The skin becomes more prone to eczema and infection in this compromised state,” says dermatologist Jesse Hirner, MD. “Plus, irritated skin may cause you to wash your hands less. The most important thing is regular moisturizing, especially in the winter, to prevent or treat chapped hands.” 

Dr. Hirner shares five healthy practices to treat chapped hands:

1. If you use hand sanitizers, choose alcohol-based options to combat viruses. 

2. Dry your hands well after washing them and avoid air drying as it can contribute to even more dryness, itching and chapping. 

3. Apply thick creams or ointments to your skin. After washing your hands or showering may be the best time. Once or twice daily is sufficient. Ointments like Aquaphor® are more moisturizing than creams, especially during the colder months.

4. Consider an overnight treatment if your hands are cracked and painful. Apply a thick layer of ointment or cream before bed, then wear gloves overnight. Avoid cotton gloves, as the cotton wicks the cream or ointment away from the skin. Nitrile gloves are a good option. Overnight gloves can help the cream or ointment penetrate your skin further and keep the product from getting on bedsheets.  

5. If you have painful cracks, liquid bandages or skin glue can seal the skin so it can heal. Liquid bandages may temporarily burn when applied. Talk to a dermatologist if your hands develop red, itchy or painful rashes. 

If you’ve been proactive and still have painfully chapped hands, you might need to be checked for skin allergies. Nickel, formaldehyde, fragrance and latex are common allergies. 

For less complex skin concerns, such as a rash or dry, itchy hands, an E-Visit is a convenient way to meet with a health care provider when you don’t have time for an in-person appointment.