Particularly good moisturizer brands include Eucerin and Cetaphil. You could also use oils like baby oil. These tend to stay on your skin longer and lock in more moisture than creams. Petroleum jelly works as a good moisturizer, but you might find this a little too greasy or slippery. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Even something as simple as coconut oil can help restore moisture to your skin. [3] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
Remember to get between your fingers as well. If you have dry knuckles, then the skin between your fingers is probably dry too. You can use the moisturizer as often as you need throughout the day to heal cracks and dryness. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Try to get a small travel-size moisturizer so you can have it with you when you wash your hands away from home. Moisturizing your skin will help keep protect the barrier that protects you from inflammation, irritation, and allergens. [7] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
This is a good way to use petroleum jelly, since it can be a little too greasy to use during the day. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Open up your humidifier regularly to check if the filter is dirty. If it is, clean it by rinsing it with water and letting it dry.
Dial, Cetaphil, Toms, and Dove all make soaps designed for sensitive skin. Try seeing what these brands have to offer if you don’t know where to start. Usually soaps labeled “hypoallergenic” are free of any ingredients that could irritate or dry your skin. Also avoid piling on so much soap that your hands are covered in a thick lather. This strips away natural oils. Hot water is irritating as well, so keep it warm instead.
Purell makes a hand sanitizer with aloe vera and vitamin E for moisturizer. The drawback is that moisturizing hand sanitizer isn’t as effective in killing viruses, so keep that in mind if you use it.
Try to wear gentle, natural fabrics like cotton. These won’t irritate your skin. Rough fabrics like wool are irritating and might make your skin worse. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you live in a climate with very dry air, you may also want to use a humidifier inside of your home. [15] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
It’s also a good idea to moisturize after cleaning or washing dishes to prevent more dryness.
Try to bathe only once a day to avoid more dryness. It’s also helpful to keep the water warm instead of hot, since hot water is irritating. Remember to moisturize after bathing, no matter how long it was!
You could also use a bag of frozen vegetables as a makeshift cold compress. Never put a cold pack directly onto your skin without a towel or rag around it. This could damage your skin.
Always read the instructions on the cream you use and don’t use it more than you’re supposed to. If you have any questions, ask the pharmacist on duty.
In rarer cases, dry knuckles can be from eczema or dermatitis. If your hands are also red, itchy, blistered, or painful, then see a dermatologist for an exam. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Stronger hydrocortisone cream is a common treatment for dry and irritated skin. This is probably what your dermatologist will prescribe.
