What causes dry and cracked hands?

In general, dry and cracked hands may be related to factors such as dry climate, skin aging, tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hands), eczema, or palmoplantar keratoderma. If discomfort occurs, symptomatic treatment under medical guidance is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry Climate

During winter, the dry climate accelerates evaporation of skin moisture, compromising the protective function of the stratum corneum and potentially leading to dry, cracked skin on the hands. It is advisable to use a small humidifier indoors, apply hand cream after washing hands, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold water during winter.

2. Skin Aging

With age, skin naturally ages, resulting in a weakened epidermal barrier function. A reduction in natural moisturizing factors increases transepidermal water loss, making the hands prone to dryness and cracking. Using moisturizing skincare products regularly to maintain skin hydration and applying sunscreen frequently can help prevent skin aging.

3. Tinea Manuum (Hand Fungus)

Tinea manuum is caused by fungal infection. The fungi invade the stratum corneum of the hand skin, where they may break down keratin proteins and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness and cracking. Symptoms may also include itching and pain. Patients should follow a doctor's advice and use antifungal medications such as clotrimazole cream, compound ketoconazole ointment, or terbinafine hydrochloride spray.

4. Eczema

Eczema can be triggered by genetic factors, food allergies, or environmental irritants. It may impair the skin barrier function, exacerbate water loss, and result in dry, cracked hands. Additional symptoms may include swelling, itching, and rashes. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as desonide cream, hydrocortisone butyrate cream, or loratadine tablets for treatment.

5. Palmoplantar Keratoderma

Palmoplantar keratoderma, caused by genetic mutations, leads to abnormal thickening and excessive keratinization of the stratum corneum. This over-keratinization disrupts normal skin metabolism and moisture retention, causing dryness and cracking of the hands. Symptoms may also include hyperkeratotic plaques, fissures, and pain. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include topical agents such as salicylic acid ointment, urea cream, or tretinoin cream.

Routinely using hand cream helps maintain soft, well-moisturized skin and prevents further dryness and cracking.