Diagnosis

If the cracked hands have been there for a long time or if there is a suspicion of an underlying disease, the family doctor should be consulted. The examination begins with a medical history, which often allows initial conclusions to be drawn about possible causes. In the case of chapped hands, particularly existing illnesses, allergies, medication and occupation play a role.

During the physical examination it is determined whether the skin appearance has changed in other parts of the body or whether the complaints are limited to the hands. Daily body care and drinking amounts must also be asked, as they have an influence on dry and chapped skin.Further examinations may be necessary to establish the diagnosis. For example, urine or blood tests, allergy tests or checking certain areas of skin with a spatula or microscope can be helpful. If diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism are responsible for the symptoms, special examinations such as an ultrasound examination (sonography) of the thyroid gland are also necessary.

Therapy

The therapy of cracked hands depends on the cause of the symptoms. Skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis must be treated accordingly, as must diseases such as hypothyroidism. Depending on the cause, treatment may consist of preparations containing cortisone or individually tailored skin care may be appropriate.

Often it is important that the person affected pays attention to a few things himself in order to treat chapped hands and prevent dry skin. Regular washing of the hands is important and sensible to avoid infections. However, “too much” puts a lot of strain on the skin.

Constant contact with hot water and soaps impairs the natural protective function of the skin. This causes the uppermost horny layer of the skin to swell up and the skin’s resistance to tearing decreases. In addition, frequent washing removes protective lipids from the skin, which leads to brittle and cracked skin and makes it more permeable to harmful external influences.

The hands should be washed regularly and thoroughly, but the use of lukewarm water and skin-friendly soaps without fragrances or dyes is especially recommended for sensitive hands. It is also recommended that the skin on the hands be regularly creamed, especially when working frequently in damp conditions or in contact with chemicals, aggressive cleaning agents, dirt or lubricants. If possible, gloves should be worn during such activities.

Consistent and regular care with hand cream helps the skin to compensate for the lack of moisture and grease caused by daily stress, and care should not be excessive. Even caring hand creams should not contain any fragrances or preservatives to avoid skin irritations or allergies. For cracked and dry hands, highly greasy and rich creams containing more oil or fat than water are recommended.

This prevents water loss through the skin and smoothes the rough skin surface. Ingredients such as lactic acid, glycerin or urea further enhance this effect through their water-binding properties. Cracked hands need a more greasy care than “normal” skin.

The creams should be as moisturizing as possible. It is individual which products best promote the regeneration of cracked skin on the hands. In some cases, creams with evening primrose oil or olive oil work well.

Creams that additionally contain urea also provide an improved moisture content. The ingredient urea, also called urea, binds the water in the skin. Accordingly, urea has a hydrating effect.

Moreover, urea inhibits the growth of microorganisms and thus has an antimicrobial effect. This means that the active ingredient can inhibit the growth of bacteria. Colloquially, urea has a “scaling” effect.

In technical terms, this is known as a keratolytic effect. However, urea is not recommended for acute eczema, but only for dry skin changes. In acute eczema, i.e. in inflammatory skin conditions, urea can cause severe burning of the skin and is contraindicated.

In some cases, dexpanthenol can soothe chapped skin and improve the appearance of the skin. The creams should be used several times a day. In some cases it is also recommended to rub the hands with a moisturizing cream before going to bed and then put on cotton gloves.

The active ingredients of the cream can thus take effect overnight. In some cases, intensive care of the hands during the day can be soothing. The hands should be rubbed with plenty of greasy cream and then wrapped in cling film.

It is recommended to allow 30 minutes for the cream to work in. The foil prevents the cream from evaporating so quickly. In case of very inflamed hands, it is sometimes recommended to use a cream containing cortisone.If the moisturizing creams are not sufficient, in some cases oil baths can promote the healing process of cracked skin.

Jojoba, almond and olive oil are suitable. Cracked, damaged and possibly inflamed skin on the hands is very sensitive to certain substances. Creams containing fragrances or additives such as urea or salicylic acid can cause burning pain.

This is due to cellular mechanisms. In damaged skin, certain signal substances are released in the cells when irritated by e.g. fragrances or additives. These enable the cells to communicate with each other.

Finally, nerve cells in the brain receive the message that the substances in the cream cause a burning pain. Coconut oil is recommended as a household remedy for cracked skin on the hands. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that smooth cracked skin.

They also promote the regeneration and vitality of the skin. It is recommended to rub the coconut oil on the damaged skin of the hands several times a day. Are you interested in home remedies for skin problems?

In some cases, homeopathic treatment in addition to home remedies or conventional medical treatments can support the healing process of cracked skin on the hands. A medical consultation is recommended. Antimonium crudum, graphites and petroleum are used.

As a rule, it is recommended to take the homeopathic remedies in the potencies D6 and D12. In some cases low potencies, such as D1 to D2, are advisable. There are different ways to take the homeopathic remedies. For low potencies, 5 to 20 drops, 1 tablet or 5 globules are recommended 3 times a day.