

Send family doctor Sheila Wijayasinghe your questions She will answer select questions, which could appear in The Globe and Mail and/or on The Globe and Mail web site. This is a common condition and can be increased in those who also suffer from hay fever or asthma.įor this, your doctor may consider prescribing a mild prescription cortisone cream in addition to moisturizing to manage your symptoms.

Another condition your doctor may consider, especially given the severity of your symptoms is atopic dermatitis.

#Dry and crack crossword skin#
Medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and thyroid disorder can all cause dry skin changes. If you have tried these changes and you are still suffering from dry hands, visit your doctor to be evaluated for any other potential underlying causes. You could try applying a thick layer of cream and putting gloves or socks on your hands to help seal in the moisture as you sleep. There are an abundance of creams available that promise to heal dry skin but it's important to find the right fit for your skin type.Īvoid expensive scented creams and look for simple, thick moisturizers (I recommend Cetaphil, Eucerin or Uremol.)Īpply moisturizers right after bathing to seal in the water and at night. In addition to avoiding triggers, it is important to properly moisturize your skin. Increase humidity and both inside and out by drinking enough water and consider the use of a humidifier at home to increase moisture to the air. Avoid immersing your hands in water for long periods of time such as with washing dishes and if needed, use gloves as protection. Specifically, scented soaps or antibacterial cleansers can be harsh and strip the skin of their natural protective barrier. The first thing I would suggest is to first try to identify and avoid the triggers that can worsen dry hands. It sounds like you've already tried many lotions but haven't had any relief of your symptoms. Another trigger in the winter is central heating, which reduces humidity and can worsen already dry skin. Any advice?ĭry hands are a common symptom and often worsen in the winter months due to the decrease in environmental humidity and temperature. I've tried numerous lotions but nothing helps. My hands become incredibly dry in the winter - to the point where they crack and bleed.
