From the Guidelines
For severe dry hands, I recommend using a thick, occlusive moisturizer packaged in tubes, such as CeraVe Healing Ointment, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, or Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, and applying it liberally after washing your hands and before bed, wearing cotton gloves overnight to enhance absorption, as suggested by the American Contact Dermatitis Society 1. When choosing a moisturizer, look for ingredients like ceramides, urea, glycerin, shea butter, petrolatum, or hyaluronic acid, which effectively repair the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Some key points to consider when managing severe dry hands include:
- Avoiding moisturizers in jars to prevent contamination 1
- Using pocket-sized moisturizers for frequent reapplication 1
- Applying moisturizer at night, followed by cotton or loose plastic gloves to create an occlusive barrier 1
- Considering a moisturizer under gloves for health care workers, with water-based moisturizers being safe under all gloves 1 For extremely cracked or painful hands, consider products containing 1% hydrocortisone for temporary relief of inflammation, though this should not be used continuously for more than two weeks, and be aware of the potential for topical steroid-induced damage to the skin barrier 1. Hands become severely dry when the skin's natural barrier is compromised, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to enter, often exacerbated by frequent handwashing, cold weather, and exposure to harsh chemicals, and consistency is key—apply moisturizer multiple times throughout the day, especially after washing your hands, to maintain skin hydration and prevent further damage. In cases of recalcitrant hand dermatitis, individuals should seek a dermatology consultation, and consider phototherapy, systemic therapy, or occupational modification if necessary 1.
From the Research
Best Cream for Severe Dry Hands
When it comes to managing severe dry hands, the choice of cream can play a significant role in alleviating symptoms and restoring skin health. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of different moisturizers in treating xerosis, a condition characterized by dry, scaly, and sometimes cracked skin.
Key Ingredients
- Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): These are complex mixtures of water-attracting compounds such as amino acids, urea, lactate, and electrolytes that help preserve physiologic function by regulating the water content of the stratum corneum 2.
- Ceramides: While traditionally considered a key component of moisturizers, ceramides are not the only essential ingredient, and other components like NMFs are equally important in increasing moisturization 2.
- Urea: This ingredient has been shown to be effective in treating xerosis, particularly when combined with other natural moisturizing components and ceramides 3, 4.
- Glyceryl glucoside: This ingredient has been used in combination with NMFs and ceramides to treat xerosis, with positive results 3.
Effective Moisturizers
- MAS062D lotion: This anti-inflammatory moisturizer has been shown to be effective in improving skin hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss in elderly patients with moderate to severe xerosis 5.
- Light Formulation and Rich Formulation: These two moisturizers, containing glyceryl glucoside, NMFs, and ceramide, have been demonstrated to improve skin hydration and reduce symptoms of xerosis 3.
- Moisturizers containing urea: These have been found to be effective in treating xerosis, particularly when combined with other natural moisturizing components and ceramides 3, 4.
Considerations
- Patient age and individual symptoms should be taken into account when choosing a moisturizer 4.
- The choice of ingredients should be based on good clinical evidence, with urea being one of the most well-supported ingredients 4.
- A structured symptom- and evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life 4.