What Are the Causes of Dry Cracked Hands?

Dry cracked hands may occur for a variety of reasons and cause pain or interfere with daily activities. Deep cracks are also vulnerable to potentially serious infections. Severely dry or cracked skin requires evaluation by a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of the problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. This will ensure any underlying conditions are dealt with to prevent potential complications from developing.

Frequent Use of Harsh Soaps

Washing your hands too frequently or using harsh soaps can quickly dry out your skin. And washing your hands with hot water can make dryness and cracking worse by removing your skin's protective oils, according to the University of Iowa 3. To prevent and treat dry cracked hands associated with harsh soaps or washing too often, wear gloves when washing dishes -- and use a mild, moisturizing soap designed specifically for dry skin.

Contact Allergies

Symptom of Peeling Skin on Hands

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Contact with allergens can trigger dryness, redness, inflammation and other symptoms. This condition, called contact dermatitis, affects people of all ages and may cause:

• delayed symptoms
  
• according to American Academy of Allergy
  
• Asthma
  
• Immunology 2

Common causes of contact dermatitis include cleaning products, nickel and other metals, cosmetics and latex. Wearing gloves while cleaning and avoiding exposure to any substance that causes a flare-up in symptoms can prevent and treat dry cracked hands. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology warns that continued contact with allergens can make symptoms more severe.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic disorder of the immune system that causes scaly, itchy patches of skin on the hands. Cracked, painful skin may develop in severe cases, according to the National Eczema Association 1. The American Academy of Dermatology states that more than half of people with eczema will develop symptoms on their hands during adulthood 2. Treatment of hand eczema generally involves lifestyle changes, frequent moisturizing with oil-based ointments and applications of topical hydrocortisone cream.

Low Environmental Humidity

How to Treat Cracked Skin on the Hands

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Dry skin is more common during winter months when low outdoor humidity and indoor heating systems rob the skin of moisture, according to the University of Iowa 3. The hands are often severely affected because they are more frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions and dry air than other parts of the body such as the legs. When hands become severely dry, cracking, itching and pain may develop. Keeping the hands covered, applying moisturizer to dry patches and treating cracks as soon as possible with topical antibiotics can prevent and treat dryness and reduce the risk of infection and other complications.

Other Causes of Dry Cracked Hands

Hypothyroidism and some other disorders that cause hormonal imbalances can lead to dryness and cracking of the skin in some cases, according to the University of Iowa 3. Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can also cause dryness, flaking and cracking of the skin. This skin disorder is caused by abnormal activity of white blood cells, called T lymphocytes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment typically involves light therapy or medication.