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Stop Winter Chapped Hands - Moisturizers
Stop Winter Chapped Hands - Moisturizers

The onset of chapped and sore hands often accompanies the

first chill winds that mark the approaching winter. Before

the first hoar frost has even had a chance to decorate the

early morning vistas, many people find that their dry, sore

skin has become cracked and unsightly. Thankfully, there

is an easy treatment for this painful skin condition that

does not rely on waiting for spring to arrive.

Unfortunately, the stresses of normal, everyday modern life

subjects our skin to a mixture of chemicals and potential

allergens that can seriously affect its ability to function

efficiently. For most people this is not a major problem -

until winter descends.

The cold of winter, with its dry winds, can be a major

deteriorating factor to skin that is already prone to

moisture loss. Combine the inhospitable outside climate

with the low humidity warmth of centrally heated buildings

and suddenly the outlook for skin can be rather downcast.

This is when the skin can become chapped, sore, cracked and

split.

The rear of the hand, especially the knuckles, is a common

area for dry soreness and chapped skin. This is because the

hands are almost invariably exposed to the harsh external

environment. They are also the part of the body that is

regularly subjected to friction and exposure to a mixture of

chemicals and cleansing agents.

The palm of the hand has a relatively thick epidermis, being

about 30 cells in depth, and has evolved to include an extra

protective layer called the lucidum. However, the back of

the hand is covered with thinner, more delicate skin.

Unfortunately, both the front and the back of a person's

hands are usually subjected to the same rigours and this is

when problems can develop.

Outside workers such as those who work in the forestry,

construction and postal industries often suffer from chapped

hands as soon as the first bite of the dry, cold winter winds

strikes.

So, if you suffer from winter-induced chapped skin on the

hands, what can you do to help alleviate the condition?

Keeping your skin adequately moisturized, along with

addressing the cause of the dryness, is the basis of any

meaningful treatment. However care should be taken.

Many people display an adverse reaction to rubber gloves.

In addition, prolonged wearing of gloves can cause skin

friction and interfere with normal perspiration. Both can

aggravate already sensitized chapped skin.

If you choose to wear gloves, a soft cotton material is

generally regarded as best, although these should be changed

and washed regularly.

Using a barrier cream is another popular method of skin

protection, but these can have inherent problems. Barrier

creams can leave the hands feeling greasy and slippery.

Whilst some thick creams can block the pores of the skin and

prevent normal perspiration.

Barrier creams that quickly dry, becoming almost

undetectable, are the best lifestyle choice.

Next on the agenda is to ensure you properly moisturize the

skin. This is not without problems, though. Many cosmetic

moisturizers contain a fragrance and these should be

avoided. Other moisturizers need to be constantly

reapplied after each hand wash and this is not always

practicable.

Choose a barrier cream that is non-toxic, non-greasy and is

both alcohol and fragrance free. It is preferable to use

creams that are not easily removed by normal washing.

In addition to these basics, make the following simple

adjustments to your lifestyle:

Try to limit the number of times you wash your hands during

the day as this can strip off the essential epidermis

lipids. When you do wash, always use a mild, fragrant free

soap.

A hot bath that can exacerbate damaged skin, try taking a

cool shower instead.

When drying your hands, use a soft towel and dab yourself

dry rather than rubbing.

Lastly, and perhaps most important of all, do not scratch

patches of dry skin - no matter how itchy it feels.

Scratching may bring some instant relief, but the itchiness

will soon return, prompting yet more scratching. This

itch-scratch-itch cycle will likely result in additional

damage to the epidermis.

With just a little care and attention you will soon find

that chapped hands are as distant a memory as the sunshine

of last summer.

Stop Winter Chapped Hands - Moisturizers

By: dandan

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