Chapped hands : Don’t ignore this painful problem

While they may look harmless, chapped hands are a very painful skin condition that should not be ignored. In this article, you will learn how to prevent and treat this problem.  
 





Definition of chapped skin
 
The Encyclopédie Larousse Médicale defines chapped or cracked skin as small, linear, bright-red lesions on the epidermis and outer layer of the dermis. These are often dry, at times oozing and very painful to the touch.

Causes of chapped skin
 
Chapped skin occurs when the hands become extremely dry, making the skin more fragile and less flexible. They can be caused by several factors, including:
  • exposure to cold temperatures
  • the overuse of chemical products and disinfectants
  • repetitive rubbing of the fingertips
Chapped hands normally affect adults and may be an occasional or recurring problem.

Preventing and treating chapped hands
 
Chapped hands require care, because not only are they painful but they can also serve as a gateway for certain infections, such as impetigo.
 
To prevent chapped hands, or failing that, to treat them, you should:
  • Always wear gloves or mittens when it is cold outside.
  • Wear gloves when using chemical products or doing housework.
  • Avoid using antibacterial soaps to wash your hands, choosing rathergentle fragrance-free products, such as Cetaphil and SpectroDerm.
  • Moisturize your hands several times a day – to help you remember, leave a pump-style bottle of cream by the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • To treat cracks, choose a urea-based moisturizer (i.e.: Eucerin or Uremol).
Pharmacy services
 
For personalized advice, talk to your pharmacist. He can recommend over-the-counter products to meet your needs. For more severe skin problems, see your doctor.

Did you find this article interesting? Recommend it to a friend!