Chapped hands occur in cold weather, when reduced sweat and sebaceous activity leads to decreased natural protection of the skin. Prolonged immersion in soapy water, followed by exposure to cold air, results in cracking of the skin.
Cracked or roughened skin can be caused by exposure to cold and moisture. Certain people are more susceptible to this condition, often because their skin lacks natural oils or they frequently handle substances that remove oils, such as detergents, petroleum products, and various cleaning agents. To prevent this issue, thoroughly drying hands after washing, wearing protective gloves, and using barrier creams can be helpful. Applying olive oil to the skin nightly can also replace lost oils. During winter, some people may develop painful finger cracks, which can be treated with substances like cobbler’s wax. Keeping the skin protected is essential for healing. A recommended hand lotion to use after washing contains powdered tragacanth, tincture of tolu, glycerine, and water, and should be applied multiple times a day for best results.