General information
Dry and cracked hands are a common and unpleasant problem. Overall, hands are the most sensitive part of the body, as they are in frequent use and are exposed to many environmental factors. Especially in the cold winter months, many people are plagued with dry hands. The fact that the skin cracks quickly also increases the risk of infection. Furthermore, the hands quickly become sensitive to certain irritants, which further increases the suffering of those affected.
Causes
Dry hands often occur in winter. The reason for this is, for example, the dry heating air, which withdraws the necessary moisture from the skin. In addition, the cold in winter ensures that the sebaceous glands of the skin produce less oil.
Especially the frequent change between dry heating air in rooms and the cold outside in winter leads to skin damage. At low temperatures, the blood vessels constrict so that no heat is released outside. However, this also means that the hands are less well supplied with nutrients, which damages them.
Not only can cold climate conditions lead to rough and dry hands, but also too warm temperatures can cause this, as the skin also releases more moisture in the form of sweat when it is hot. If there is high humidity at the same time, the skin dries out even faster. If there is frequent sunburn, the skin is permanently damaged so that it loses its elasticity and wrinkles appear earlier.
Frequent hand washing with soap also damages the hands, as it softens the skin’s outer protective layer. In addition, the acid mantle of the skin is attacked. Overall, the skin becomes more sensitive, making the hands brittle and cracked.
Although water is beneficial for our skin, too much water should be avoided, as it can cause the skin to leach out and lose its oils and moisture. Professional swimmers, for example, therefore often have to deal with skin problems. With regard to the hand, the back of the hand is particularly susceptible, since the skin is thinner here and there are fewer sebaceous glands than on the rest of the hand.
Likewise, too little fluid intake can lead to the development of dry skin, so you should always make sure you drink enough. Older people, in particular, usually drink too little because they feel less and less thirsty, which can lead to the development of dry skin. Increased psychological stress can also manifest itself through dry skin.
Side effects of medication may be an additional cause. Triggers for this can be, for example, preparations containing cortisone, diuretics (drugs for increased water excretion), as well as certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Dry skin can also be an expression of a skin disease such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis.
Metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (sugar disease) or hypothyroidism can also lead to dry skin. If you have persistent dry skin, these causes should also be clarified by a doctor. However, increasingly dry skin is also a typical symptom of old age, since with increasing age the skin can store less and less moisture and the protective mechanisms against fluid loss are less pronounced.
In addition, the skin of older people can produce fewer lipids, so that the skin with its protective function becomes thinner and more vulnerable. or rash on the handsDry skin as a result of a vitamin deficiency can occur, for example, due to the heavy consumption of alcohol. Excessive consumption of alcohol also leads to malnutrition, resulting in a lack of vitamins and minerals, which can also be reflected in the skin.
The same applies to heavy chain smokers as for alcohol. Likewise in the case of an existing eating disorder, malnutrition with increasing age or a very one-sided diet, important vitamins such as vitamin A or B may be missing from the skin and cause dry hands. Especially vegetables, fruits and animal products contain many vitamins.
Especially a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry and flaky skin. Vitamin A normally has a preventive effect against rapidly aging skin. If the body has enough vitamin A, the skin remains smooth and soft.Vitamin A is mainly found in eggs, dairy products and fish, i.e. exclusively in animal products.
Vitamin B2 also plays a role for the skin, more precisely for skin healing and hair and nail formation. Vitamin B2 is particularly found in whole grains, nuts and dairy products. Neurodermatitis usually manifests itself in dry, very itchy skin rashes and in adults, in addition to the hands, often affects the crook of the arm and the hollow of the knee.
In order to dampen the severe itching, a bath oil with polidocanol can be used, for example. Antihistamines can also be used in the evening to reduce extreme nocturnal itching. In addition, moisturizing creams are generally recommended and in acute phases of the disease, treatment with creams containing cortisone is recommended.
Phototherapy can also help in combination with cortisone. If the local therapy is not sufficient, a systemic therapy that modulates the immune system must be considered. Contrary to general opinion, disinfectants damage the skin less than washing the hands with soap, which destroys the skin’s natural acid mantle.
However, the alcohol contained in disinfectants can dry out the skin permanently. For this reason, care should be taken to use a disinfectant that contains skin-caring ingredients to prevent dehydration. In addition, strongly perfumed disinfectants should be avoided, as they are often not tolerated by atopic persons and lead to dry skin and eczema.
