The skin on the hands cracks for many reasons - external and internal. Treatment should be comprehensive. It is necessary to eliminate not only the consequences (the cracks themselves), but also the etiology. This can be done with both medicinal and folk remedies.
What diseases do cracks occur?
According to doctors, most often excessive dryness and cracks in the skin occur due to such ailments.
The causes of cracks in the hands
Reiter's Syndrome. It is provoked by chlamydia, one of the manifestations is hyperkeratosis of the palms. Desiccation of the affected areas occurs and their subsequent cracking.
Eczema. In some cases, in the chronic course of the disease, the flaky skin on the hands cracks, causing a painful itching and burning sensation.
Atopic dermatitis. More childish than adult disease. It occurs due to the ingestion of an allergen. With systematic combing, the affected area does not heal, it gets wet and a deep crack forms.
Ichthyosis. The disease is inherited. It is characterized by increased keratinization of the skin. As a result, the skin begins to crack.
Diabetes. One of the symptoms of diabetes is severe dryness of the skin and cracking of it due to malnutrition of the skin.
Disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland. With insufficient production of hormones or a complete cessation of their synthesis, the metabolic mechanisms in the cells of the epidermis cease. It becomes dehydrated, which leads to cracking.
Shigren's syndrome. It is characterized by a decrease in the production of fluid by various glands, including sweat. The skin is not naturally moisturized and this leads to dry cracks in the toes.
Psoriasis. On the affected areas between the fingers, palms or hands, crusts form, which crack, and many small shallow cracks appear.
Fungus. Cracked hands can be caused by fungal bacteria. They destroy the epidermis, making it more vulnerable. Constant itching and scratching leads to cracking.
Lack of vitamins
If the skin on the hands cracks, the causes and treatment are concluded in the amount of vitamins entering the body.
Essential Vitamins for Hand Skin
For normal functioning, the epidermis needs the following trace elements:
Retinol... Vitamin "youth" keeps the skin in good shape.
Tocopherol... Takes a direct part in the processes of cell regeneration and nutrition.
Vitamin C. Saturates the skin with oxygen, thanks to which it literally "shines" with health.
Biotin... Helps the proper functioning of skin cells due to the presence of sulfur in the composition.
Nicotinamide... Participates in metabolic processes, regulates the production of sebum.
Riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine. Controls the process of skin renewal at the cellular level. Promotes the elasticity of the epidermis.
Pantothenic acid... Strengthens the barrier function of the skin, participates in recovery processes at the cellular level.
Selenium... Helps the skin be less susceptible to UV radiation.
Copper... Gives the dermis the necessary elasticity.
Zinc... It is a regulator of sebum production.
External factors
If the skin on the hands is cracked, the causes and treatment are closely dependent on each other. There are several external reasons for the appearance of cracks on the hands:
insufficient or improper skin care;
trauma to the skin with household chemicals;
significant temperature fluctuations, especially cold affects the skin of the hands;
mechanical impact.
Why does the skin near the nails crack?
In addition to external factors, internal factors are also distinguished.
Why does the skin near the nails crack?
These include:
Avitaminosis. Lack of essential vitamins leads to a general deterioration of the skin condition. It dries and cracks.
Skin diseases, both infectious and non-infectious.
Pathologies of internal organs or organ systems. For example, digestive, hormonal or neurological disruptions.
Helminthiasis.
Proper nutrition
Many processes in the body depend on the food consumed. A balanced, healthy diet can significantly reduce the chances of hand cracking.
To improve the condition of the skin, the diet must include:
Chicken eggs - as a source of vitamins A, E, C, group B and minerals selenium and zinc necessary for the body.
Groats - buckwheat, corn, oat, wheat. They are rich in iron, zinc, selenium, B vitamins1, IN5, IN6, E, C.
Vegetables, herbs. They are useful not only because of the content of essential trace elements in them, but also because of their beneficial effect on the digestive tract.
Dairy and fermented milk products - contain vitamins A, E, C, group B, so necessary for the skin.
Fruit - bananas (B6); apples, pears, citruses (B1, FROM); raspberries, blueberries (zinc) and others.
Nuts are rightfully considered a multivitamin food product.
Fish and seafood are rich in selenium, pyridoxine, riboflavin.
Meat, liver and other animal products contain cobalamin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, tocopherol, thiamine and others necessary for the skin.
Nutritionists remind that after thermal processing of products, a significant amount of useful trace elements in them is destroyed.
Therefore, fresh food must be present in the diet.
Compliance with hygiene rules of care
Proper care is also the key to soft and smooth hand skin.
Hand skin care
It consists of the following recommendations:
When washing your hands, the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer. Too hot or cold water negatively affects the epidermis, which causes redness and dryness. After washing, wipe your hands dry to minimize the risk of burrs.
The cleanser should be used with a neutral pH. If possible, it should contain glycerin, vitamin E or other caring ingredients.
Any household work should be done with rubber gloves. This is necessary so that the chemically active substances of detergents cannot act on the skin cells, slowly destroying them. Also, do not contact with water for a long time. It washes away the thin natural protective layer of sebum, which further dries the skin.
Daily use of moisturizing and nourishing creams will help your skin look good and healthy.
Dermatologists recommend additionally using masks, baths, compresses as preventive measures. Thanks to this, the skin will regenerate faster and be less injured. Massage or hand exercises are also recommended.
When will folk remedies help
You can heal cracks on your hands with the help of folk remedies and methods. They are very effective. In this case, it is important what are the reasons for the appearance of cracks.
If the skin is cracked due to damage by a fungus, with a hormonal disorder or other pathology of internal organs, then it is necessary to consult a doctor. Such cracks must be treated with medication.
If cracks were formed due to external factors, then contacting a specialist is optional. Their independent treatment with folk compositions will give excellent results.
How to treat if skin cracks to bleed
Treat the skin on the hands that is cracked to blood, you should be careful not to harm even more. The wound must close. For this reason, it is advisable to first seal the cracks with a special adhesive.
It is sold in a pharmacy and is called BF-6 Clay. It is completely safe.
After the wounds have healed, supportive procedures can be started.
Special formulations, which are applied as masks to hands or nourishing creams, will remove the remaining traces of healed cracks, and also eliminate excessive dryness of the skin.
The most effective is the Zorka veterinary cream. Dermatologists recommend it to patients with psoriasis, eczema.
A cream with a similar composition is available in a regular pharmacy. It is called "The Power of the Forest", there is no aviation kerosene in the composition (in the "Dawn" it is) and the product costs 8 times more.
What oils to use
The reason for excessive dry skin on the hands may be a genetic predisposition. It is necessary to treat such cracks not only by using vitamins and oils inside, but also by applying them directly to the skin. The most effective are:
Olive oil. It has a good moisturizing effect and can be added to cosmetics.
Coconut oil. Suitable for fine dry skin. Can be used in pure form or added to creams and lotions. Suitable for the role of "transport" oil.
Shea Butter is effective for severely coarse epidermis. Has a tonic, leveling, rejuvenating effect. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Argan oil is renowned for its versatility. Suitable for all types of skin, increases its elasticity and firmness. Ideal as a massage product.
Sandalwood oil has a healing effect. It has strong antiseptic and regenerating properties. Thanks to this, the healing of cracks will be carried out with maximum comfort, without itching and inflammation.
Special oils for hand skin
Propolis ointment
Propolis has a regenerating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and disinfecting effect. Just what you need for cracked skin.
The simplest recipe is to heat 20 g of purified propolis and 100 g of vegetable oil in a water bath. The mixture is stirred for 30-40 minutes, until the ingredients are completely dissolved and mixed. The resulting ointment is filtered, cooled, and it is ready for use.
It must be stored in the refrigerator in a dark container. Use daily for skin problems or several times a week as a prophylaxis for excessive dryness.
Curd ointment
Curd ointment promotes accelerated renewal of the upper layer of the epidermis, while enriching the skin with vitamins. It is prepared as follows:
A few tablespoons of cottage cheese are ground into a paste.
Several capsules of vitamins A and E are added to the mixture.
Cottage cheese ointment for hand skin
The ointment is applied daily, rubbed into the skin with massage movements. Cotton gloves are put on top for several hours.The remains are washed off with warm water.
Nutria fat ointment
For a long time, interior fat has been used as an effective remedy in the treatment of skin diseases. Due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, it has regenerating, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing properties.
Nutria fat is twisted in a meat grinder and melted over low heat until completely transparent. Then it is filtered and cooled. Store it in the refrigerator. Use the product as needed.
Goose fat ointment
Goose fat effectively heals small wounds, including cracks. It softens the skin, preventing further cracking. The ointment is prepared as follows:
In the goose fat melted in a water bath, add the chopped root of the herb soap in a ratio of 3: 1.
Simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes.
Then they cool, and the ointment is ready for use.
It should be stored in the refrigerator.
It is used daily after medical compresses or baths.
Flaxseed hand bath
150 g of flax seeds are brought to a boil in 750 ml of water. Hands hold in this broth for at least 20 minutes, but not more than 35. Additionally, a rich chamomile infusion is added to the linen bath to enhance the effect.
Baths must be done regularly, every second day.
Flaxseed for healing cracked hands
And on a free day, you need to make a mask or compress. After the mask, be sure to use a moisturizer or medicated ointment.
Ylang-ylang oil bath
The essential oil of ylang-ylang is active in its composition, so it should be used diluted with another oil. To prepare the bath, you must mix 1 tbsp. any cosmetic oil (better than apricot or sea buckthorn), 4 drops of ylang-ylang oil and 1 tbsp. sea salt.
Add 600 ml of almost hot water to the composition, mix thoroughly until complete dissolution and put your hands there for 8-12 minutes. Then they wrap them in a warm towel and keep the compress for another 15-20 minutes. Wipe your hands dry and apply a moisturizer. The bath is done no more than 3 times a week.
Starch bath
It is necessary to pour 5 g of starch with 300 ml of hot water, mix thoroughly, pour the mixture into warm water (400 ml) and lower your hands there for a quarter of an hour. Then you need to rinse the skin of your hands and moisturize it with cream. The bath is done several times a week in a course of 6-10 sessions.
Hand starch bath
Bath with glycerin and ammonia
With severe keratinization and many cracks of the epidermis, it is recommended to dilute 12 ml of glycerin and 7 ml of ammonia in 1 liter of very warm water. Hands are dipped into the solution and hold so until the water cools completely.
The frequency of the event is several times a week until there is an improvement.
Vitamin baths have a good regenerating effect. A few capsules of Tocopherol or Retinol are added to warm water. These can be purchased at the pharmacy. The procedure is performed for about 12 minutes, after which the hands are smeared with ointment or cream. Baths are done for several weeks after 2 days on the third.
Lilac oil mask
Lilac oil is able to restore the epidermis in minor injuries. That is why it is recommended as a mask against cracked fingers. You can make it yourself by infusing lilac flowers in olive oil for a month. It can also be purchased at the store.
Especially popular is the Essential Lilac Terry Oil from Pellesana.
Lilac oil hand mask
It is necessary to grease your hands with plenty of oil and wrap them in a towel, sit quietly for half an hour, then remove the remaining oil with a napkin. The mask must be carried out once every four days.
Honey and sea buckthorn oil mask
An effective mask for severely chapped skin. 3 tbsp fresh honey mixed with 5 tsp. sea buckthorn oil, after which the composition is applied to the cracks. Gloves are put on top. The mask must be kept for at least half an hour. The procedure is repeated after 3 days.
Egg yolk honey mask
Egg yolk is added to a small amount of fresh honey (2-3 tablespoons). The mixture is applied to the hands, and plastic gloves or bags are put on top. The holding time of the mask is 15 minutes.
Honey mask with yolk for hands
At the end of it, hands are rinsed with warm water and smeared with a fat cream. It is recommended to do the mask up to 3 times a week until the desired effect is obtained.
Coffee grounds mask
The coffee grounds mask has a mild scrubbing effect, especially if you use finely ground coffee. It not only stimulates regeneration processes, but also removes dead cells from the epidermis.
Apply coffee grounds to clean, damp hands with light circular motions and leave for 7-8 minutes. Then the skin is washed with cool water and generously spread with cream. The mask can be used once a week.
Apple mask
Apple-based masks are renowned for their versatility. By choosing a sour apple variety, you can heal problem skin of the hands. For dry and sensitive skin, preference should be given to sweet varieties. The composition of the mask is as follows:
Grated apple - 150 g
Chicken egg yolk - 1 pc.
Olive oil - 5-7 ml.
Honey - 8 ml (optional).
The mixture is applied to hands, wrapped in polyethylene for 20 minutes. You can wrap it up. Masks are made with a break of 2-3 days.
Oatmeal mask
Boiled oatmeal has a moisturizing, soothing effect. For dry and chapped skin, consider the following mask:
Oatmeal - 5-8 g
Fresh honey - 4-7 ml.
Vitamin A - 2-3 capsules.
Fish oil - 1-2 capsules.
Oatmeal hand mask
Pour the oatmeal with boiling water and leave for 10 minutes until it swells completely. Then the rest of the ingredients are added to it, mixed. Apply to hands for 25-30 minutes.
After the composition is washed off with warm water, and the skin is moisturized. Such masks should be done several times a week for a month.
Banana, sea buckthorn oil and honey mask
This mask softens and simultaneously strengthens the skin, restoring it at the cellular level. To prepare the composition, you need: 1 ripe banana, 6-8 ml of fresh, liquid honey, 2 tsp. sea buckthorn oil.
Everything is thoroughly mixed and applied to hands. Cotton gloves are put on top, and the mask lasts about an hour. It is allowed to hold it no more than 3 times a week.
Raw potato and milk mask
The main effect of raw potatoes is to reduce inflammation. In tandem with milk, there is a significant softening of the skin, which is especially important in case of excessive dryness and keratinization.
Several potatoes are peeled and grated. Add a glass of warm milk. Dip your hands into the mixture and hold for at least 15 minutes, or apply the mixture to your hands and wear plastic gloves. At the end of the procedure, hands are rinsed with water and moistened with cream.
Bread mask
Pour the bread crumb with hot milk and grind until smooth. The mixture is applied to clean hands under gloves for 40 minutes. The mask is quite nourishing and rejuvenating.
Compress from a decoction of calendula
It is necessary to prepare a decoction from the flowers of calendula in a ratio of 1: 2 and let it brew for 2 hours. Then it is heated, moistened with a towel and hands are wrapped in it for a quarter of an hour. After the compress, additionally moisturize the skin. It is recommended to perform the procedure 2 times a week.
Broth of calendula from cracked hands
Calendula has a strong bactericidal effect; it can also be used for infectious skin diseases.
Boiled potato compress
Boiled potatoes soften skin and cracks, facilitating the healing period, and relieve inflammation. A few boiled potatoes are mashed with olive oil. Apply a thick layer to the hands, put on plastic gloves and additionally wrap.
The compress must be kept until it cools completely. After the hands are rinsed with water and smeared with ointment. The frequency of the procedure is several times a week.
Natural herbal cream
Treatment of cracked hands with herbal creams is more important than other products due to the lack of chemical components. The skin is not only restored, but also healed.
Hand cream from "Green Mama" with vitamins and herbal extracts is as natural as possible.
It copes well with cracks of any etiology (except infectious), eliminates itching and inflammation.
Arabia series for hand care
Aravia hand cream with coconut and mango oil contains extracts and extracts of various plants. Promotes skin regeneration and hydration. Strengthens the barrier function. Recognized by professionals in the field of cosmetology.
Levrana hand cream with sea buckthorn is completely natural. Contains a whole list of components from plants useful for skin. The cream promotes the healing of cracks, and the wax in the composition prevents them from reappearing.
Treatment for cracked baby skin
Cracks in the arms of a child are a reason to worry. The reason can be any and only after its identification is the necessary skin treatment carried out. It can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor, you should not self-medicate.
To maintain skin moisture, you can lubricate your hands with Bepanten ointment and bathe your child in herbal baths every other day. They contribute to the early renewal of the skin and increase the degree of regeneration.
Folk remedies effectively eliminate cracks in the hands of children and adults. You just need to choose the appropriate tool and use it regularly.
Video about methods of treating cracks in the hands with folk remedies:
Video about effective ways to treat cracked hands near nails:
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