What causes dry and cracked hands and feet?

Dry and cracked hands and feet may be caused by several factors: 1. Vitamin deficiency: Vitamins A and E are essential nutrients for maintaining healthy skin. Deficiency in vitamin A can lead to abnormal skin cell growth and differentiation, while lack of vitamin E may result in loss of skin moisture and elasticity, leading to dryness and cracking. 2. Fungal infection: Conditions such as tinea manuum or tinea pedis (hand and foot fungus) are caused by fungal infections that lead to thickening and dehydration of the stratum corneum, resulting in skin fissures. 3. Eczema: This is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may arise due to genetic factors, environmental irritants, or immune system abnormalities. In severe cases, skin fissuring can occur. 4. Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition characterized by rapid overproduction of skin cells, causing thickening of the stratum corneum and formation of white scales. This makes the skin fragile and prone to cracking.