Chapping refers to the condition of having dry, parched, and rough skin, typically observed on the hands and face, particularly the lips. It occurs due to the absence or depletion of the natural oils that maintain the skin’s flexibility. This phenomenon is more prevalent during cold weather, when the sebaceous glands that produce oil generate less of it, or following frequent washing or exposure to moisture.
To prevent chapping, it is advisable to wear protective gloves or apply barrier creams before submerging the hands in water. Afterward, it is important to thoroughly dry the skin. In cases where chapped skin has already developed, it can be treated with the application of hand or face cream.