Dry Hands?
Key points
- Is the cold winter air causing your hands to become dry and flaky?
- * Soak your hands in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- This gives your skin time to absorb the water. * Pat your hands dry and immediately apply a thick layer of an occlusive moisturizer to seal in the water. * If your hands still feel dry, wear a pair of light cotton gloves to bed at night.
Is the cold winter air causing your hands to become dry and flaky?
If so, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver offers these suggestions:
* Soak your hands in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives your skin time to absorb the water.
* Pat your hands dry and immediately apply a thick layer of an occlusive moisturizer to seal in the water.
* If your hands still feel dry, wear a pair of light cotton gloves to bed at night. This will further reduce water loss.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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