How to Care for Severely Dry Hands

Being out in cold, windy weather isn't good for any exposed skin. Hands, especially, can become extremely dry and chapped. If left untreated, dry hands can even crack and bleed. It's best to put lotion on hands at least twice a day to avoid getting them in this condition, but if your hands do become severely dry and cracked, here are some ways to care for them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Moisturizing lotion
• Petroleum jelly
• Thin, snug-fitting cotton gloves

1. At night, soak hands in very warm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Lightly pat hands dry.
2. Immediately rub moisturizing lotion onto hands.
3. Coat hands completely with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, paying close attention to the most dry areas.
4. Put thin cotton gloves on hands. Leave the gloves on overnight.
5. Apply moisturizing lotion several times during the day.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 every day until hands are back in normal condition. Then just keep repeating step 5 to keep hands healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• When hands become so dry they are red and irritated, many moisturizing lotions may further irritate skin. If this happens, just use the petroleum jelly until hands are healed.