As you age, you may notice that the skin on your hands becomes drier, resulting in redness, peeling, and cracking. Painfully dry skin can make even the most straightforward tasks challenging, and even the most heavy-duty hand cream does not seem to help.
Severely dry skin tends to be seasonal, affecting many in the winter months. Symptoms include rough, flaky, or scaly skin, redness, and itchiness. More severe symptoms include cracking and bleeding. The sun, wind, and other elements take their toll on our skin over the years, causing it to become more susceptible to drier air.
The best treatment is prevention. Though dry skin may be unavoidable, it is essential to be conscious of how you are treating your hands during the colder months. Avoid over-washing your hands, and use a thick hand cream or lotion several times a day. If your job requires frequent hand washing, wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect your skin better.
If your hands are causing you discomfort, schedule an appointment at our Englewood dermatology center to meet with a specialist. Our experts at Colorado Skin Care will help you find the best treatment option and ensure there is not an underlying condition associated with the dryness.