Dry and cracked hands in winter – how to care for them

In winter, the skin on the hands often loses its softness and begins to feel rough, tight and, as a result, more prone to cracking. For many people, this is not only an aesthetically embarrassing problem, but also a source of discomfort, burning and pain in everyday activities. This phenomenon results from a combination of environmental conditions and individual skin characteristics, which together affect its ability to maintain proper moisture and tissue continuity.

1. Causes of cracked hands
2. Caring for chapped hands

Causes of cracked hands

Dry air

In winter, hands usually crack and become dry because the epidermal barrier loses water faster than it can retain it. Cool air has low humidity, and wind and frequent transitions between freezing temperatures and warm interiors contribute to irritation and microcracks. At home, the problem is exacerbated by heating, as humidity drops and the skin becomes rough and ‘tight’ more quickly.

Contact with water and detergents

For many people, the amount of contact their hands have with water and detergents is also a key factor. Frequent hand washing, washing up, cleaning, working with protective gloves, contact with solvents or disinfectants can lead to occupational or domestic irritant eczema.

Predisposition

Individual predisposition is also important. People with atopic dermatitis, allergies or previous episodes of eczema have more reactive skin and experience more frequent flare-ups in winter. Sometimes contact allergens such as fragrances, preservatives in cosmetics, nickel, latex or glove components are to blame, as they become more noticeable in winter.

"Although a hot bath seems tempting on winter evenings, it can further dry out the skin. Instead, choose lukewarm water and add moisturising oils such as almond or coconut oil to your bath." Łukasz Domeradzki - Dietitian

Dermatosis and age

Less commonly, cracked hands are associated with dermatosis, such as psoriasis or fungal infection, which may resemble ‘normal dryness’ but have different dynamics and require different treatment. Chapped hands in winter are also common in older people and in cases of hypothyroidism or diabetes, when the skin tends to be drier.

Selected vitamins and minerals important for skin health

Caring for chapped hands

When caring for dry and cracked hands, it is most important to limit irritants and quickly rebuild the barrier after each wash. It is better to choose mild synthetic detergents (soap-free cleaning mixtures) or unscented products with a simple composition for washing. Lukewarm water, short washing times and gentle drying without rubbing can also help.

Using emollients – what to choose?

The most important step is to apply an emollient (a substance that is neutral to the skin and has a softening effect) immediately. In eczema, regular use of emollients was associated with less severe lesions, less frequent exacerbations and a lower amount of anti-inflammatory drugs needed to control symptoms. In practice, cream or ointment should be applied to the hands several times a day, especially after each wash. For daytime use, a cream with humectants (water-absorbing substances) and lipids (fats), as well as a low concentration of urea, often works well. At night, it is advisable to use a greasy ointment, e.g. petroleum jelly-based, applied in a thick layer, sometimes under a cotton glove.

"Even the best creams and gloves will not help if the most important aspect is neglected, namely hydrating the body by drinking fluids. Drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day." Anna Zięba - Dietician

When to see a doctor?

When there is obvious inflammation, itching, oozing or recurring deep fissures, anti-inflammatory treatment prescribed by a doctor is usually necessary. In the case of painful cracks, it is helpful to cover them with a layer of ointment and a dressing for several hours, and in the case of increasing redness, pus or severe pain, urgent medical evaluation is recommended.

What to eat and what supplements to take?

Diet is also important. An adequate supply of protein, including collagen, provides the amino acids needed for skin renewal and its protective barrier, while zinc and vitamins A and C participate in the healing and regeneration of the epidermis. Biotin is involved in the metabolism of keratin (the protein that builds skin) and skin lipids, which is why low biotin intake is associated with a greater tendency towards dryness and cracking. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids support the lipid structure of the skin and anti-inflammatory processes, which can help to maintain its elasticity and moisture.

Sources:

• Bauer, A., Rönsch, H., Elsner, P., Dittmar, D., Bennett, C., Schuttelaar, M. L. A., Lukács, J., John, S. M., & Williams, H. C. (2018). Interventions for preventing occupational irritant hand dermatitis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD004414. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004414.pub3
• Nugroho, W. T., Sawitri, S., Astindari, A., Utomo, B., Listiawan, M. Y., Ervianti, E., & Astari, L. (2023). The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian journal of dermatology, 68(1), 53–58. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_991_22
• Price, L., Gozdzielewska, L., Alejandre, J. C., Jorgenson, A., Stewart, E., Pittet, D., & Reilly, J. (2022). Systematic review on factors influencing the effectiveness of alcohol-based hand rubbing in healthcare. Antimicrobial resistance and infection control, 11(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-021-01049-9
• Lodén, M., Andersson, A. C., Anderson, C., Bergbrant, I. M., Frödin, T., Ohman, H., Sandström, M. H., Särnhult, T., Voog, E., Stenberg, B., Pawlik, E., Preisler-Häggqvist, A., Svensson, A., & Lindberg, M. (2002). A double-blind study comparing the effect of glycerin and urea on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients. Acta dermato-venereologica, 82(1), 45–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/000155502753600885
• Kang, S. Y., Um, J. Y., Chung, B. Y., Lee, S. Y., Park, J. S., Kim, J. C., Park, C. W., & Kim, H. O. (2022). Moisturizer in Patients with Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 58(7), 888. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58070888