Dry, cracked winter hands... any suggestions?

[AuroraBorealis]

This past week my hands have become so dry and cracked they bleed. It is painful and I will admit I am a little vain about it--because they are ugly! I've always taken a bit of pride in having great skin and now my hands are so gross they don't even look like mine...

I'm a librarian so I'm constantly washing my hands (The public+cold season = lots of germs!). I think handing so many books and paperwork contributes to the dryness as well as the recent change in weather.

I've tried about five different types of "extra-moisturizing" lotions and I even have some moisturizing gloves from Bath and Body Works but nothing seems to be helping. I've actually thought about wearing cotton gloves at work, but those might be hard to work in. If my skin doesn't improve soon, I might make an appointment with my derm.

Does anybody have a miracle product? Or any suggestions?

TIA!

 

[RNMOM]

I can certainly relate to this issue. As a nurse, handwashing is not an option. Several years ago another nurse shared this with me. I use Neutrogena hand cream. This is not the lotion but the short squat tube of goo that feels a lot like vaseline but certainly is not. They tell you to use a small amount. I developed a routine I use to this day of putting about 3 times that amount on my hands just as I settle into bed and rubbing it completely into my skin on my hands and elbows. It might take a few minutes but you are giving your hands a massage and allowing the warmth to help the skin absorb the cream. I now have connective tissue diease and have psoriasis and this cream is the only thing that keeps my skin from getting the crusty patches. I have to clear it up first with steroid cream but can keep it clear by using the Neutrogena cream daliy.

I no longer am working as a nurse but keep up my use of this product. It has helped my dry heels in they summer, my itching and skin issues. I love it. I also use the other Neutrogena lotions in between times.

 

[Beth76]

I even have some moisturizing gloves from Bath and Body Works but nothing seems to be helping.

Not sure what's involved with that but I've always had very good results by slathering vaseline on my hands and covering with cotton socks while I sleep. The next morning my hands are so much better. If you haven't yet, try cutting out anti-bacterial soap too. It's very drying. As is hand sanitizer. You mentioned cold/flu season, but you should be just fine washing your hands with regular soap and water (if you are indeed using the anti bacterial stuff).

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Beth76 The B&BW gloves are pretty cool... they are lined with a gel that contains vitamin E and natural oils. You put on your regular moisturizer and then wear the gloves overnight and they help moisturize. They work pretty well, but my hands have been too dry lately. There are also socks for feet that make my feet sooo soft!

I do avoid anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer because I noticed they were really drying.

RNMOM --Thanks for the tip about Neutrogena hand cream. Is it the same stuff they advertise Norweigen fishermen using? I will have to try that.

 

[RNMOM]

AB, yes, that is the stuff. I really, really, really love it. (I need to buy stock in Neutrogena....lol).

 

[Bunchkin]

Another vote for Neutrogena hand cream in the short white tube!!
My hands are drying up already too. And this cream is really helping! It can be used on other spots that are dry/itchy.
I've tried all the expensive stuff. And I swear by this stuff now. It's the only thing that works.

 

[N.Bailey]

I have very dry skin too. I bathe with shampoo or body wash. I never use soap. I used to be a Dove fan, but I've found that the shampoo and body washes are much softer on the skin. I also never use hand soap in the liquid dispenser. I fill that will the cheapest shampoo I can find (White Rain - $0.75 cents a bottle at the Dollar Store. If you insist on soap, get Softsoap. I also use Keri lotion every single time I wash my hands (and that's probably about 30 times a day).

My hands used to crack and bleed they get so bad. Since doing all of the above, my hands haven't cracked once. I've been doing this for about 3 years or so now.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

I agree with the Neutrogena stuff and I also recommend the Rosebud Salve. My husband uses Rosebud during the winter when his hands and lips get chapped alot.

 

[KerriSue]

Ok do not laught but the doctor once told me to use Crisco. The stuff that is white, not the liquid stuff. He said just put a bit on before bed and it will work. I had been using vasaline at the time, he said although it was good for protecting the skin from more damage it would not replace the fatty stuff you miss with dry skin. It works, no lie. Just give it a go and see what you think.

Kerri

 

[maslex]

HHHMMM, crisco....sounds interesting. Might have to give that one a try. I also have been suffering with this. Strangely enough, it's only on my right hand. But as soon as I wake up in the morning, they itch so bad that it's totally ridiculous, I can't stand it. I've been to a couple different dermatolagist (years ago) and one said it was excema (yeah, don't think so) and the other one said it was called "palmfalex" (don't know how to spell it) he had given me an ointment and while it worked for a couple hours or so, the condition started right back up.

I'm at my wits end right now and might try that Neutragena stuff. I did buy some stuff of off QVC called Surgeons Skin. At first when you put it on, it feels so gross (like vaseline---that stuff makes my skin crawl) but then you're skin is so soft about 10 minutes later. I've only used it a few times, but I'm going to try to use it a few times a day and see how things work.

 

[Corwin12]

I would say that instead of using creams and such ... go where it's warm and sunny instead ... like WDW perhaps??

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Beth76 The B&BW gloves are pretty cool... they are lined with a gel that contains vitamin E and natural oils. You put on your regular moisturizer and then wear the gloves overnight and they help moisturize. They work pretty well, but my hands have been too dry lately. There are also socks for feet that make my feet sooo soft!

I almost bought these the last time I was at B&BW but I didn't. They just seemed a little too expensive. They do work, though?

Personally, I do a treament of Mary Kay's Satin Hands. It really helps.

 

[kdibattista]

Neutrogena Hand Cream... I swear by this stuff

 

[Pixiedust34]

My hands are OK, but I have dry, cracked heels. Has anyone tried the Neutrogena cream on the bottom of their feet? If so, did it make a difference?

I had a nutrition professor in college who said that eating more food with oils might help with dry skin. I eat tossed salad every day with an oil based dressing along with other food with oils, and while this might work for some people I don't see it helping one bit.

I hope your hands are better soon.

 

[CEDmom]

I use the Neutrogena on my hands and feet and it really does work. I have the best results when I soak my hands or feet in warm water before applying. It helps open the pores and softens the really dry skin enough to really soak if the cream. Then I put socks on and go to bed.

 

[scanne]

We just got some free samples of Curel Intensive lotion - it comes in a light blue bottle and the "intensive" is in a dark pink/reddish color. I tried the samples and I am getting a bottle this weekend! I wash my hands a lot - I am a teacher - so I am all about scrubbing my hands before I eat, especially being around kids all day. Plus I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old, so I'm washing my hands a lot at home. This Curel lotion was AMAZING! My hands no longer felt dry and itchy. I'll definitely be getting more of this.

 

[Dodie]

I couldn't get through winter without this amazing stuff:

 

[C.Ann]

Zims Crack Cream - until they heal.. Then something on a daily basis.. When I worked in the school cafeteria my hands were always cracked, bleeding and very painful due to constant handwashing, doing dishes, etc.. There were days I literally wanted to cry because they hurt so bad.. The pharmacist told me about the Zims and it worked very, very quickly.. What a relief that was!!

 

[ChibiJones]

I had something similar happen to me several years ago. I ended up going to my doctor who actually said I had a rash or some sort of skin condition. Sorry I don't remember exactly what it was since it was so long ago. Some prescription medication cleared it up within a few days. If you've been through a cold/flu season in the past without this happening, this might be more than just dry skin.

I hope you feel better.

 

[jenwolgey]

I have Raynaud's disease along with scleroderma, so I really need to protect my skin, especially in the winter. I have 2 children of my own, plus run a home daycare, so I am constantly washing my hands. I've found that the Burt's Bees Almond Beeswax Hand Cream works very well. I may have to try the Neutrogena for the dead of winter when even the Burt's isn't totally effective!