Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTreatmentWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Treatment
When to See a Healthcare Provider
As you age, you may notice that your hands become drier and crack more easily. They may also become red and peel. These are all signs of dry skin.
Cracks in your fingers can make even the simplest tasks, such as typing, turning a page, or buttoning your shirt, very painful.
In the medical field, dry skin is known asxerosis. It is often a natural part of aging, though it can also be an early sign ofdermatitis. This skin irritation has three types, and they all cause dry, itchy skin and sometimes a rash.
This article explains the causes of dry hands, what you can do to get relief, and what you should know before using super glue products on cracked hands.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
What Causes Dry, Cracked Hands?
As people age, their skin becomes thinner and drier and produces less oil. The sun, wind, and other elements take their toll too.
Things that can contribute to dry hands include:
Treating Dry, Cracked Hands
Dry, cracked skinon your hands can usually be treated at home with a two-pronged approach of prevention and moisturizing. Prevention includes:
As you get older, you may have to make adjustments to your daily routine, such as:
Using Hand Lotion
Moisturize your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after a shower or washing your hands.
There is no one best lotion for everyone. Look for products that do not contain any artificial fragrances or are labeled for sensitive skin. Use a thick emollient (lubricating)hand cream or lotion, which tends to work better than thinner formulations. Look for ingredients like petrolatum, wax, andshea butter.
Some people find slathering lotion or petroleum jelly on at bedtime, then covering their hands with gloves or socks helps to repair dry, cracked skin faster.
9 Best Hand Lotions for Dry, Cracked Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Is Super Glue Safe?
Believe it or not, a popular solution for painful skin cracks issuper glue. Containing adhesive chemicals calledcyanoacrylates, super glue can be used for superficial cuts and cracks, but using it on a regular basis can dry out skin.
Glue should never be used for deep wounds. And it can be poisonous if swallowed.
Liquid bandages (liquid adhesive) can also be used on minor cuts to close the wound and help stop bleeding. Liquid bandages seal the cut closed after just one application. There is less chance of infection since the wound is sealed shut.
Be sure to check the ingredient list because some brands may contain too much alcohol for people who have already dry skin. A product called Dermabond was specifically designed to seal skin tissue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for surgical use and superficial cuts.
Skin must be thoroughly cleaned before applying it to prevent infection. Ask your healthcare provider if they can recommend a similar product that is available over the counter if you want to use it regularly.
If your hands are causing you great discomfort due to dry, cracked skin, talk with a dermatologist or healthcare provider. And seek medical attention immediately if your hands are swollen, or bleeding, have a honey-colored crust on any cracks, or if you see red streaks moving up your arm. These are symptoms of a more serious infection.
Summary
You know dry skin when you see it. It can become rough, flaky, and red. It can even bleed. Pinpointing a cause can be tricky because there could be several contributing factors, such as your age and how often you wash your hands during the day.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mayo Clinic.Dermatitis. September 21, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.National Institute on Aging.Skin care and aging. Updated October 1, 2017.Medline Plus.Lacerations - liquid bandage.National Kidney Foundation.10 signs you may have kidney disease. December 17, 2020.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mayo Clinic.Dermatitis. September 21, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.National Institute on Aging.Skin care and aging. Updated October 1, 2017.Medline Plus.Lacerations - liquid bandage.National Kidney Foundation.10 signs you may have kidney disease. December 17, 2020.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mayo Clinic.Dermatitis. September 21, 2021.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.National Institute on Aging.Skin care and aging. Updated October 1, 2017.Medline Plus.Lacerations - liquid bandage.National Kidney Foundation.10 signs you may have kidney disease. December 17, 2020.
Mayo Clinic.Dermatitis. September 21, 2021.
American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin: Who gets and causes.
National Institute on Aging.Skin care and aging. Updated October 1, 2017.
Medline Plus.Lacerations - liquid bandage.
National Kidney Foundation.10 signs you may have kidney disease. December 17, 2020.
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