I live in Northern Illinois. We have been in the cold cold temps. and below zero wind chills for a week or more. But this problem has been going on for a long time with me. My hands are soooooo dry and my fingers crack open on the corners by the nail. I'm sure it's a combination of cold weather, the heat is on now and makes it dry in my house and I work with elderly people and am washing my hands alot. My hands have gotten so badly dry that they hurt. My skin actually hurts. They are so dry that anything I touch my dry hands and fingers sticks to it. Please help. I can't take much more of this dryness, cracking and very very sore hands and fingers. There has to be something I can do but I don't know what. I've bought and used all kinds of lotions and worn gloves to bed with lotion on my hands and this doesn't seem to be helping. This has become painful for me. Any ideas, help?
2006-12-07 07:19:00 · 13 answers · asked by AMCgremlin 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Other - Skin & Body
First of all get a HUMIDIFIER. That will prevent your skin (not to mention your mucus membranes) from drying out due to the heater. Then start using Olay Moisturinse in-shower body lotion for extra dry skin. It really works. There's also Neutrogena After Shower Sesame Oil that will keep your skin silky-smooth if you prefer.
My husband used to complain a lot about the heater, and would insist I keep it off even when it was super cold, 'coz he says it dries him out and he has cracked skin + a hard time breathing. We started using a humidifier and those problems were solved.
The Moisturinse (with Shea butter) is truly incredible. It DOES leave your skin feeling coated with lotion even after you rinse it off, but after a few minutes all you'll feel is softer, smoother skin.
Since you wash your hands a lot, I'd recommend using one of the Olay soaps (I use the one with Shea Butter) 'coz they're made to moisturize while washing. It's still soap, but it won't leave your hands as dry as others. My husband uses a Neutrogena facial bar to wash his hands, and that stopped them from cracking, so that could be another choice. Of course, using a good hand lotion (like Neutrogena, Olay, or Jergens) right after every washing will keep your hands hydrated.
2006-12-07 11:35:24 · answer #1 · answered by veroanique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elizabeth Arden makes an 8 hour repairwear cream that is really great for hands. It's only $15, so relatively inexpensive for a department store cosmetic brand. It has a strange salve-like smell when first applied, but it goes away quickly - great for an overnight treatment or to use while relaxing, reading or watching tv. Give it time to soak in and it will really seal in some serious moisture. I live in the chicago suburbs, so it goes everywhere with me.
If you really want to go all out, Lancome makes great hand creams, but I keep a body cream (Absolue body - around $100 at department stores) on my desk at work. It's great on dry hands, doesn't feel greasy, and has a nice light smell that isn't overpowering - maybe a good suggestion for a holiday gift.
2006-12-07 07:27:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my skin is really dry I use Baby oil gel, try the one with vitamin E. It is greasy at first but about 15 min. later it sorta goes away, it is also good because it creates a waterproof barrier. For some reason when I put it on I seem to not be as effected by the cold as much. This works better than any other lotion I have found, eve coco butter.
2006-12-07 07:24:33 · answer #3 · answered by Dish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Washing your hands strips them of their natural moisture. And if you doing it all the time, you are making the situation worse. If it's dry in your house, get a humidifier.
And if the moisturizers aren't working for you, go see a dermatologist. Maybe you have something more severe than just dry-skin.
The comment about drinking water is a good one, stay hydrated!
2006-12-07 07:35:16 · answer #4 · answered by V9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandmother used to have this problem as well. I would love to say that Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream would be enough (along with the Satin Hands Hand Cream during the day) but this sounds very severe. I would try Bag Balm, it helped my grandma.
2006-12-07 08:10:41 · answer #5 · answered by Angela D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I'm assuming if you care for the elderly, you are using anti-bacterial soap. STAY AWAY FROM IT!!! Invest in a box of medical exam gloves. Triclosan takes all the natural oils from your skin. Make sure the hand cream you are using has no fragrance or mineral oil. I really like regeneration extreme repair hand therapy by beauticontrol.
2006-12-07 13:01:15 · answer #6 · answered by Mel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are drinking lots of water as well as using the lotions creams etc. If you can keep caffeine level down. It might help to use a humidifier at home
2006-12-07 07:29:37 · answer #7 · answered by al 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put vasaline on your hands at night or a good lotion and then put your hands in latex gloves and sleep with them on for a few nights, it really helps alot. It keeps all the moisture in.
2006-12-07 07:22:24 · answer #8 · answered by Krissy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BAG BALM Designed for dry, chapped cow udders, Bag Balm works great for any animal's skin Treat your pet's chapped or brush-burned area with Bag Balm for soothing, moisturizing relief. In case of deep puncture wounds seek medical help. Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs.
2016-03-28 22:13:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I love my Mary Kay Satin Hands Set, you may need to see a dermatologist because of the severity of your problem. I have also talked to people who use something called "Bag Balm" and they have gotten results
2006-12-07 07:29:52 · answer #10 · answered by nkettler03 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋