Dry, chapped hands: causes and remedies

The skin of our hands is an indispensable organ that every day acts as a barrier against numerous external aggressions of a thermal, physical or chemical nature. Dry, cracked or reddened hands are the result of a profound state of imbalance in the skin and, in particular, its precious hydrolipid film, which can no longer respond adequately to stimuli from the world around it.

Underlying the alteration of the skin’s physiological shielding role are professional activities, which often expose the hands to constant contact with irritating chemicals, extreme temperatures and frequent washing with aggressive detergents. Dehydrated hands look rough, lack elasticity, have an irregular texture and are covered with small wrinkles or flaking. They may also have a dull complexion, be reddened or hot and show real fissures.

Although many professionals consider it ‘normal’ to have chapped hands, the phenomenon of chapped hands is a serious disorder and should never be underestimated, as it can lead to even serious and disabling medical complications for one’s professional activity.

Dry hands: what are the causes?

When hands begin to crack and become dehydrated, it generally happens due to a combination of exogenous and endogenous factors. To understand this, it is important to remember the essential importance of the hydrolipid film that covers the skin surface, i.e. a layer that has both a hydrophilic and a liposoluble component, consisting of sebum and epidermal lipids.

This natural protective film performs basic functions: maintaining the correct hydration of the external layer of the skin and protecting the skin from colonisation by pathogens such as viruses, fungi and bacteria. It is clear, therefore, that an alteration of this protective film can have important consequences for the skin.

But what can lead to deep structural and functional imbalances in the epidermal film? One of the main causes of dry hands is undoubtedly exposure to the aggressive substances used in the workplace: grease, lubricants, detergents, oils, glues, paints, hydrocarbons, bitumen, rust and similar products can attack the hands, progressively undermining their natural well-being.

In addition, workers’ hands are often exposed to contact with water, moisture or occlusive PPE. Another key factor in the appearance of roughness, dry knuckles of the hands and extensive dehydration is frequent washing, which is practically mandatory in industry and in the daily routine of those who carry out craft work. Frequent washing with aggressive detergents, however, has an excessively degreasing effect and compromises the functions of the delicate hydrolipidic film, predisposing the skin to redness, irritation, dehydration and dryness.

If hands at work in winter suffer from exposure to cold, wind, ice and temperature fluctuations, those of professionals working in the sun are affected by the effect of UV rays, their ability to dehydrate the skin and impair the elastin and collagen fibres in the skin (leading to premature ageing). Pollution, airborne dust and cigarette smoke also contribute to the depletion of the skin barrier.

However, when the skin is in good shape, i.e. hydrated and sufficiently nourished, it can effectively resist insults from the outside world and remain healthy for a long time. Conversely, incorrect habits or excessively prolonged exposure to the risks described above can irreparably undermine the skin’s ability to respond, causing it to lose its elasticity and hydration and becoming visibly flaky, dry and irritated.

One of the causes of dry palms or the appearance of rhagades on their outer surface is also the use of topical or systemic medications or the presence of severe skin diseases, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, erythema or mycosis.

Cuts and redness: the problem of dermatitis

When the presence of irritation or micro-cuts on dry hands is not addressed promptly, it can lead to a serious worsening of the situation. Redness, scaling and cuts can spread, eventually becoming real fissures and causing bleeding and pain. Similarly, a compromised skin barrier favours the entry of pathogens, which could cause various types of infections.

One of the most serious consequences of neglecting the problem of dry, red hands is undoubtedly dermatitis, a severe form of skin inflammation that can be contact, allergic or irritant. Its manifestations are particularly severe and can severely limit your ability to work, as well as affect your social life. Treatment of these occupational diseases must be quick and prompt and may include topical drugs, but also systemic immunosuppressants or phototherapy.

But is it really worth ignoring the signals your hands send you and going so far as to irreparably compromise your health? The answer is no, especially when there are valid methods to avoid the problem and preserve the well-being of your skin.

 

Remedies for dry hands

Combating the symptoms of dry, chapped hands essentially means adopting two strategies: effectively protecting the skin from external agents and maintaining physiological hydration.

In order to avoid the phenomenon of dry, cracked and split hands, it is first and foremost essential to take appropriate protection and prevention measures, such as shielding them from irritants in the workplace. How? By first introducing the use of PPE and providing work processes that avoid direct contact between the skin and aggressive substances. It is also good to shield the skin from the action of cold and wind, during winter, and ultraviolet rays when working outdoors in summer (or using equipment that emits UV rays).

Remedies for dry hands include extra attention to the cleansing phase. In fact, the use of poor quality soaps and hand washes should always be avoided, in favour of professional industrial products that have a strong cleansing action on dirt, but respect the skin, as well as a neutral pH and possibly contain emollient, moisturising and soothing ingredients.

When the health of the skin is already compromised, it is useful to adopt good remedies for damaged skin, which can only be natural solutions when the stage of dehydration is still in its beginning. For example, one can resort to do-it-yourself remedies such as compresses or creams based on honey, calendula, olive oil and similar plant-based remedies. At work, however, always consider using professional skin cleansing and nourishing products that are specially formulated to care for the hands of those who work.

The Nettuno solutions range was created exactly for this purpose and comprises three different types of products, specifically dedicated to protecting, washing and nourishing the skin.

 

Avoid red, chapped hands with Nettuno

The first step to avoid skin dehydration in the professional sphere is to protect the skin with appropriate barrier creams, specially designed to shield the skin from the action of aqueous substances and moisture, greasy and oily ingredients or dangerous UV rays.

Keeping wrinkled, dehydrated and dry hands at bay is also aided by the best-performing professional hand cleaners, designed by Nettuno technicians for the needs of professionals in a wide variety of sectors.

From Nettuno’s experience, professional nourishing creams also come to your aid, in line with your needs and an integral part of a valid skin care programme.

Talk to our consultants to find out which of our solutions best suits your professional needs!