How to Heal Dry Cracked Hands

Last Updated: February 12, 2023

If you've been washing your hands more than usual to keep germs at bay, you've probably noticed the skin on your hands getting dry. Over time, you might wind up with chapped or cracked hands. You definitely don't want to stop washing your hands, but luckily, there are lots of remedies that can help! If the problem is mild, you might want to start with natural remedies (some of which you may already have around the house). If your hands are severely dry, or if the skin is cracking, you may need to use commercial products or talk to your doctor about stronger treatments.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Natural Remedies

1
Apply olive or coconut oil to your hands. Olive and coconut oil are great natural moisturizers. They can also help to heal any cracks or cuts in your hands due to dryness. Apply a generous amount of olive or coconut oil to your hands. Then, rub in the oil well and let it dry. Re-apply the olive or coconut oil as necessary.
- If you want to lock the moisture of the oil into your skin, put small plastic bags over your hands once the oil has been applied. Clean wool socks or cloth gloves would also work well. Keep them on for 30 minutes or overnight. Doing this will lock the moisture of the oil into your hands as the oil dries.
2
Use shea butter on your hands. Shea butter is another good natural remedy for hands that are in desperate need of moisturizing. Apply the shea butter to your hands and let the butter seep into your skin. You can apply the shea butter to your hands as needed throughout the day.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Skincare Specialist
Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- You can buy shea butter online or at your local health food store.
- Shea butter is a nut derivative, so it’s probably not a good idea to use it if you’re allergic to nuts.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mohiba Tareen, MD
  Skincare Specialist
  Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
Advertisement
3
Soak your hands in milk and oats. The lactic acid in milk acts as a natural exfoliator. The amino acids and silica in oats are good for hydrating your skin. Combine one part milk with one part rolled oats in a bowl big enough to fit your hands. Then, place your hands in the milk and oats. Let your hands soak for 10-15 minutes.
- After 10-15 minutes, gently rinse your hands off in lukewarm water. Your hands should feel soft and less dry.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Commercial Products

1
Use vaseline on your hands. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is great for hydrating your skin and locking in moisture. It can also help to heal cracked skin. Apply a generous amount of vaseline on your hands and let the vaseline dry. Put more vaseline on your hands, as needed, to keep them soft and hydrated.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If your hands are really cracked and dry, apply the vaseline on and then put plastic bags or cloth gloves on your hands. Leave the bags or gloves on overnight. You should wake up with softer hands.
2
Get a hand cream with natural ingredients. Hand creams will provide a thicker protective barrier for your hands than hand lotions. Look for hand cream that does not contain any chemicals, dyes, fragrance, or preservatives. These ingredients can irritate your skin more and make it even dryer. Instead, go for a hand cream that contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and oats.
- You can buy hand cream that is all-natural online or at your local drugstore.
3
Try antibiotic ointment or cream. If your skin is irritated and dry, try applying over the counter antibiotic ointment or cream like Bacitracin or A&D ointment on your hands. You can also apply the ointment then put on cotton gloves and wear them overnight. Keep these gloves in a plastic bag as you will use them over and over if you have to deal with dry, cracked, irritated hands often.
4
Speak to your doctor about a prescription hand cream. If your dry, cracked hands are really bad and do not get better with over-the-counter remedies, you may need prescription hand cream. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for hand cream to treat the issue.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Sometimes dry, cracked hands that do not heal with home remedies or over-the-counter creams are a symptom of a skin issue that needs medical treatment, such as eczema.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Hands

1
Wash your hands with mild, natural soap and warm water. When you wash your hands, avoid using harsh cleaning agents that contain dyes, artificial ingredients, or fragrances. Instead, go for mild soap that contains natural ingredients like olive oil, lemon, or shea butter. Use warm water, rather than hot water, as hot water can dry out your hands.
- If you find you have to put your hands in hot water often, such as when you wash dishes, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
2
Wear gloves with a soft lining when it’s cold outside. Cold weather can make dry, cracked hands worse. Protect your hands from cold weather by wearing leather or wool gloves that are lined with silk or synthetic materials. The soft lining will help to keep your hands soft and protected.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Many glove manufacturers are aware of sensitive skin and well-known brands with a nice lining will protect your hands from the cold. Be sure to try on the gloves before purchasing to ensure they fit well and have a soft lining.
- Avoid gloves that have a wool lining, as this can irritate sensitive skin.
3
Moisturize your hands regularly. Get in the habit of applying hand cream to your hands throughout the day, up to six times. Carry a small jar or tube of hand cream in your bag so you can apply it to your hands as needed. Have a routine where you moisturize your hands in the morning and at night before bed so they stay soft and hydrated.
- Try several different varieties to find the one that works best for you.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you heal cracked dry hands with coconut oil?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

One thing you can do with coconut oil is use it as a moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower. It's really important to moisturize as soon you're done showering, since all of that water can dry your skin out. If you moisturize your hands regularly, you'll maintain that productive barrier and give your skin time to heal.
Question

Is shea butter a good moisturizer?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Yes! Shea butter is a great natural moisturizer. Simply apply shea butter to your skin and let it seep into it.