Hand care
Mild soap, a thick fragrance-free hand cream or ointment, and protective gloves for wet or messy work, with cotton-lined gloves for overnight care.
Why it helps
Hands get washed, sanitized and exposed to weather all day, which strips oils and cracks the skin. Moisturizing right after washing and protecting hands from soap, water and irritants helps prevent dryness, cracks and hand eczema flares.
Look for
- Fragrance-free, dye-free creams or ointments with ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid or petrolatum
- A mild, fragrance-free hand soap or soap-free wash
- Cotton-lined gloves under rubber gloves for dishes and cleaning
- Plain cotton gloves for overnight wear over thick cream
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on the backs of the hands
Avoid
- Antibacterial soaps and alcohol gels used more than needed
- Wearing rubber gloves on wet hands for long stretches
- Hot water for handwashing
Caution
Cracked, bleeding or very itchy hands that do not improve may be hand eczema or an infection, so check with a clinician.
Worth asking a clinician about
If your hands stay red, cracked or blistered despite good care, ask about prescription-strength treatment for hand eczema.
Sources
Products
CeraVe
Therapeutic Hand Cream
Price: medium price · For body
A fast-absorbing hand cream for normal to dry skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, made without fragrance.
- Fragrance free
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Silicone
Vanicream
Moisturizing Cream
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick, fragrance-free and dye-free cream for face, hands, feet and body, made with petrolatum.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Dye free
- Petrolatum
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Aquaphor
Healing Ointment
Price: medium price · Face and body
A thick, water-free petrolatum ointment with panthenol and glycerin, made without fragrance or preservatives.
- Fragrance free
- Petrolatum
- Glycerin
Aveeno
Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream with Prebiotic Oat
Price: medium price · For body
A rich hand cream made with prebiotic oat and shea butter, free of fragrance and parabens, for dry or sensitive skin.
- Fragrance free
- Paraben free
- For sensitive skin (brand)
Vanicream
Gentle Body Wash
Price: medium price · Face and body
A gentle liquid wash for the hands and body made without fragrance, dyes, or soap.
- NEA Seal
- Fragrance free
- Soap free
- Sulfate free
- Dye free
Badger
Badger Balm
Price: medium price · Other
A concentrated balm of organic olive oil, beeswax, castor oil and aloe for dry, rough hands.
- USDA Organic
- For sensitive skin (brand)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.