Dry hands: why does it happen and how to prevent it? – GOOD SHAPE

With the change of season and even because of everyday tasks, it’s normal to realize that our hands are dry. The skin of the hands, like this like the face and the rest of the body, also ages and can dry out for many reasons. That’s why we talked to two experts to understand how to deal with this discomfort and what to do to avoid it in the future.

WHY DO HANDS GET DRY?

“Hand dryness is most often caused by irritant contact dermatitis from water, soaps or other chemicals,” explains the dermatologist. Camila Salazar, from Les Peaux Clinic. “Currently, it is often seen associated with the use of alcohol gel and repetitive hand washing after the covid-19 pandemic. Climate change, such as reduced temperature and humidity, are factors that can predispose to dry hands as well.”

That is, there is not only one factor that contributes to the dryness of the skin on the hands. Even low water intakegenetic tendencies, the use of medication and aging itself can generate this symptom.

Therefore, before taking any action, it is important to seek a dermatologist to investigate the cause. This is because some diseases, such as thyroid and hormonal changescan also cause dry hands.

DRY HANDS X DRY HANDS

Before we continue, it’s worth remembering that dry hands and parched hands are different. It’s the same logic for the skin of the face and even for the hair.

“Dry hands, with a decrease in sweating, as happens in some diseases, are different from dry hands in the upper region”, explains the dermatologist. doctor Alessandro Alarcão, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). “One issue is the dry palm, and the other is the dry whole hand.”

According to the doctor, it is necessary to investigate when there is a decrease in sweating, which may be due to low water intake, hormonal diseases or thyroid changes.

“Even menopause can be related to dry hands, as happens in the case of cracked feet, whose main cause, after 45/50 years, is precisely the pre-menopause period, in which there is a decrease in estrogen production”, he continues.

Symptoms of dry hands are most commonly:

Tightening sensation
Itch
whitish appearance
lack of shine and lush

A dry hand, on the other hand, has an aged appearance, as a result of exposure to the sun, excessive use of alcohol gel or constant washing. Symptoms of dry hands often include:

rough skin
reddish appearance
Peeling (which may develop into cracks)

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF DRY HANDS?

The best way to take care of dry hands is to adopt habits that prevent continuous dryness. As? See dermatologist tips below:

1

Avoid direct contact with chemicals

This means wearing gloves whenever possible when washing dishes and cleaning.

two

Avoid very hot water

A water temperature directly interferes with skin health, so the ideal is to always shower or wash your hands with warm water – never too hot, as it can accelerate dehydration.

3

use moisturizing products

soaps and moisturizing creams they facilitate the routine and collaborate for the reconstruction of the skin’s protective barrier, which, in turn, keeps the skin hydrated for longer.

HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD I HYDRATE MY HANDS?

If you’ve asked yourself this question, know: you need to hydrate your hands a lot on a daily basis – and there is no ideal number of times. A good parameter is reapply moisturizer always after washing hands and showering.

“It may also be necessary to increase the frequency of hydration in periods of colder and drier weather, and in people who already have some underlying dermatological disease,” says Dr. Camila.

For Dr. Alessandro, is constant hydration that prevents and avoids dehydration, also preventing against premature aging. After all, to stimulate collagen and elastin production, you need water – and if the skin is dehydrated, this production is compromised.

DO I NEED TO PASS SOLAR PROTECTOR ON MY HANDS?

Since we are talking about hand skin care, it is worth noting: the sunscreen it is also essential and also acts as a protective factor against dryness.

“As in all other regions, and especially for those who drive, it is important to apply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours”, continues Dr. Alexander. “For those who drive a lot, solar radiation focuses a lot on the steering wheel, on top of the hands, which can worsen aging and dryness. But most important of all is the prevention of skin cancer.”

The doctor explains that if the skin on the hand is dry and aged, and the patient does not use sunscreen, the incidence of skin cancer is higher. Therefore, care for the region must be global, to ensure healthy skin and protected against cancer.