The hands are used to perform many daily tasks, making them one of the most overused parts of the body.Right from picking up things to writing, cooking, cleaning, and a million other essential activities, your hands bear the brunt. Hence, it’s natural that they undergo a lot of wear and tear on a regular basis and have to be specially cared for to reverse this damage.
It’s normal for your skin to get drier as you age. However, some people develop this problem early on or to a severe degree.
Dry hands are caused by a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. While mild dryness can be managed through simple self-care methods, severe cases involving redness, peeling, and cracking of the skin warrant medical attention.
# Medical causesDry and rough hands can be symptomatic of the following medical conditions:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Kidney issues
Sjögren’s syndrome
Nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin deficiencies
Medications and therapies such as hypertensive drugs and anticancer therapies
Dehydration
Keratosis pilaris
# Environmental causes
Environmental factors that can make your hands dry include:
Sun exposure
Exposure to allergens
Chemical exposure
Cold and dry climatic conditions
# Lifestyle-related causesCommon lifestyle-related causes of dry and rough hands include:
Indoor heating
Frequent hand washing
Harsh soaps and cosmetics containing synthetic compounds for fragrance
Prolonged hot showers
No use of moisturizers
Garments
# Occupational causesOccupational causes for dry and rough hands include:
- Working in the healthcare field, such as doctors and nurses
- Jobs involving gloves usage or chemical contacts.