What Causes Dry Cracked Hands and Feet?
For many people, dry skin is the norm, especially during winter. This can lead to cracked skin on hands and feet. Cracked skin, often associated with psoriasis or eczema, can cause great discomfort. You can successfully target cracked skin, whether experiencing dry, cracked hands and feet because of an underlying medical condition or an irritant.
What is Cracked Skin?
Cracked skin is one of the most common symptoms of severe dry skin. However, cracked skin can also develop in response to infections or trauma. When your skin dries out because of a lack of moisture, it will become rough and tear more easily. Without proper care, these small cracks can turn into deeper, often painful cracks known as fissures. Cracked skin can affect several body parts: cracked hands, fingertips, and broken skin elsewhere can lead to pain and discomfort.
To better understand the causes of cracked skin, consider its layers. Made of three layers, your skin is meant to remain squishy and elastic. However, to do so, it requires a lot of water. Once your skin becomes dry, it begins to lose its flexibility, causing the skin to break.
Causes of Severe Cracked Hands & Feet
Dry skin is the leading cause of cracked skin, which is caused by:
- Irritants — Many everyday products contain harsh chemicals that damage your skin’s barrier.
- Cold weather—During winter, low temperatures and humidity dry the skin. Indoor heating can also dry out the skin.
- Hot water — Hot water from washing dishes or showers can affect your skin’s moisture levels.
- Your diet—Dry skin may be a sign of ongoing dehydration. In addition to drinking more water, eat more hydrating foods.
Conditions Linked to Cracked Skin
Two skin conditions often linked to cracked skin include eczema and psoriasis.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itching and redness. Although it can surface anywhere on the body, it often affects the hands. Since the skin becomes so dry, it leads to cracking and possible flaking, peeling, intense itching, and scaly patches. Psoriasis is similar. However, this disorder causes extra skin cells to build up, resulting in dry, inflamed areas. When skin cells rapidly accumulate, this can lead to dryness and cracking. There is no cure for either of these skin conditions, but you can better manage symptoms by keeping your skin hydrated. The goal is to retain moisture and prevent your skin from drying out.
- Cracked feet are commonly associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy causes nerve damage, impacting your skin’s ability to control moisture. In other cases, dry feet and cracking are linked to an athlete’s foot. A fungus causes this skin infection.
- Hyperkeratosis skin conditions, such as cracked hands, fingertips, and palms, cause dryness, peeling, and cracking on hands and feet. This condition affects your natural barrier. As the top layer of skin is depleted from the condition, you may experience significant dryness and cracking. The breaking skin can cause discomfort or pain.
How to Help Heal Cracked Skin?
When cracked skin isn’t too severe, you can often relieve it at home. Of course, the cause of your cracked skin must be considered, and any complications should be discussed with your physician.
Remember, once you experience cracked skin, your skin barrier is compromised. The most common reason is dry, irritated skin. If you are experiencing cracked hands and feet, here are some of the best ways to help your symptoms at home:
- Begin a moisturizing routine to minimize moisture loss and repair the broken skin barrier. When you invest in a quality moisturizer that will help reduce transepidermal water loss of the skin (moisture loss), such as a product like Cutemol Cream in a water-in-oil formulation containing natural Beeswax and Allantoin.
- Beeswax leaves a thin layer on the skin, reducing water loss, helping keep your skin hydrated, and repairing the skin barrier. The goal is to help your skin retain moisture day in and day out. Apply your moisturizer of choice two to three times daily. In this case, focus on your hands and feet, especially after bathing. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a cream void of fragrance and parabens, such as Cūtemol Sensitive Emollient Dry Skin Cream.
- Talk to your physician about a liquid skin bandage if you have deep cracks. This can help you treat skin cracks. Once healed, it’s important to continue your daily moisturizing routine as a preventative measure.
- Exfoliate your feet and hands to remove dry, dead skin cells. Be gentle so that you do not irritate further. Soak your feet or hands in water for 15-20 minutes. Use a soft loofah to gently scrub away dry skin before patting it dry. While soaking your hands or feet, you can also add salts or oils to ease itching and irritation. Then, apply a thick barrier moisturizer such as Cutemol cream. Repeat this process once or twice a week.
- Consider using a humidifier during the winter months. This will help combat dry air, which can increase the risk of cracked feet and hands.
If your skin cracks are mild, you can successfully relieve your symptoms at home, leveraging the tips above. However, seeking medical treatment is important if your skin does not improve within two weeks or worsens. This is particularly true if your skin is bleeding, filled with pus, overwhelmingly itchy, or accompanied by a fever.
We’re here for you whether you suffer from dry skin, broken skin, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions. We offer skincare solutions for your entire family and welcome you to contact us with any questions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dry-cracked hands and feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, such as cold weather and low humidity, frequent hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals, medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and aging, which reduces the skin’s natural oil production. Proper hydration, moisturizing products, and protective measures can help alleviate and prevent the discomfort associated with dry-cracked skin. Recognizing and addressing these underlying causes is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dehydration lead to dry, cracked hands and feet?
Yes, dehydration can contribute to dry skin. When the body lacks sufficient water, the skin can become dry and less elastic, leading to cracks.
How do vitamin deficiencies contribute to dry-cracked hands and feet?
Vitamins A, D, and E deficiency can lead to dry skin and increase the risk of skin cracking.
Is it normal for feet to crack during summer?
Yes, hot weather can lead to dehydration and excessive sweating, which can cause the feet to dry out and crack.
