Diagnostics | Brittle hands

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of brittle hands is a gaze diagnosis. By questioning the patient, the doctor can find out what the cause is behind the dryness. If a disease such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis is suspected, the family doctor will recommend a referral to a dermatologist (dermatologist), who will then take over further treatment.

The treatment of brittle hands

In skin care in winter, care must be taken to ensure sufficient re-fattening. Creams with a high fat content or urea keep the skin supple. Urea also ensures that the skin retains water.

High-fat creams can contain oils from olives or almonds, evening primrose or sebum. Other active ingredients can be linoleic acid or glycerine. It should be free of aggressive fragrances in order not to cause additional irritation of the affected skin.

Zinc ointments have an additional healing effect. It should be noted that good creams do not necessarily have to contain one of the above mentioned ingredients. The most important thing is a balanced distribution of fat and moisture.

If the hands are particularly brittle, a hand bath, for example with olive oil, can also help. Applied in the evening it works especially well, because you can let the oil work overnight with cotton gloves. Also during the day the gloves are an important companion to protect the hands from direct contact with the cold, drying air.

In summer less greasy creams are usually sufficient. If the skin shows signs of inflammation, the family doctor or a dermatologist can prescribe a cream with cortisone to reduce inflammation. In the case of infections, creams with antibacterial or antimycotic (effective against fungal infections) components are prescribed.

Prophylaxis

Drinking enough water ensures that the skin gets enough fluid from the inside in any case. Gloves should be worn when working with water if a tendency to brittle hands is known. While in winter gloves help against the cold, in summer hands should never be forgotten when applying sunscreen.

The delicate skin of the back of the hand is particularly at risk. People who come into contact with drying agents such as disinfectants in their jobs should make sure that they use a cream rich in fat to compensate.The hands should not be washed too hot. Skin-friendly soaps (pH-neutral) also prevent the protective skin barrier from being attacked.