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Rough hands causes, treatment and home remedies
Rough hands are not just a cosmetic problem because damaging the skin's natural acid mantle will make it more susceptible to inflammation, eczema and allergies. Accordingly, the dry skin should always be taken seriously and treated with appropriate care. Various protective measures (such as household gloves) and home remedies help alleviate skin problems. Since it can be a symptom of various skin diseases, allergies or diseases such as diabetes, a doctor should always be consulted as a precaution to get to the root of the cause.
contents
- The skin: structure and function
- Symptoms on rough hands
- Causes of brittle skin on the hands
- Rough skin on the hands due to too much hand washing
- Cause medication
- Rough hands as signs of illness
- Brittle hands in winter
- Rough hands: what to do?
- prevention
- Natural home remedies for rough hands
The skin: structure and function
The skin (Greek: "derma", Latin: "cutis") with a surface of 1.5 to 2 square meters is the largest and at the same time the most functionally versatile organ of the human organism Protects the body from pathogens, heat, cold or dehydration. In addition, there are sensory functions (touch, perception of pain, touch, vibration, etc.) as well as the regulation of the heat and water balance.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and performs many vital functions. (Image: PixieMe / fotolia.com) The structure of the skin consists of three layered tissue types, which are called from outside to inside as epidermis, dermis and hypodermis (subcutis). The thin epidermis consists mainly of horn-forming cells (keratinocytes), which acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and moisture loss. In the much thicker and more robust "dermis" are, inter alia, blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and a variety of skin glands and pressure receptors for the sense of touch (Meissner-Tastkörperchen), the fatty tissue of the subcutis, however, serves as energy storage and protection cold.
Symptoms on rough hands
Dry and rough skin on the hands feels parchment- or paper-like and in many cases shows fine cracks, reddened spots, small, barely visible pores and a pale, "tired" appearance. It is typical that the skin is very tense, flaky and itchy, with the symptoms often increasing in warmth or cold.
In more severe cases, a so-called "desiccation eczema" (exsiccation eczema) can develop, which is characterized by inflammation and fine reticular cracks and / or or redness and abrasions of the skin. Frequently, symptoms such as burning or itching occur particularly intensely after bathing or showering. Affected are mainly older people, atopic dermatitis and young children. In winter, there is an increased risk of developing such eczema.
Causes of brittle skin on the hands
The skin is a very sensitive organ, which reacts quickly to external influences and processes inside the body by redness or itchy skin rash show or other skin problems such as allergies, eczema or psoriasis occur.
The skin on the hands is particularly sensitive, because on the one hand it is comparatively thin, and on the other hand, it is usually used more strongly than anywhere else on the body, as it is permanently exposed to all weather and environmental influences.
Normally, sebaceous glands throughout the skin produce a permanent special water-fat mixture, which provides suppleness and acts as a "protective barrier" for the skin, keeping the moisture inside while protecting it against damaging external influences. If there is a lack of moisture and fat, the hands are dry and rough, which happens particularly fast on the back of the hand, because the skin is particularly thin here and has fewer sebaceous glands.
Various reasons may be considered for the loss of function of the protective skin barrier. Often it is external factors such as cold, heat, sunlight, pollutants, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
In old age, the risk of brittle hands is increased because the skin stores less moisture. (Image: flashpics / fotolia.com) Genetic factors can also be responsible for the dry, rough skin on the hands. Likewise, the risk of brittle, chapped hands increases with age. The reason for this is that over the years, the skin stores less and less moisture and forms fats. In addition, sweat production continues to decline. As a result, the natural "protective barrier" becomes more and more fragile and permeable, whereby internal and external influencing factors can attack an already sensitive skin more quickly and lead to even drier hands.
In addition, there are a number of other "internal" factors such as malnutrition, lack of fluids, hormonal influences (eg menopause, hormonal contraceptives), alcohol and nicotine consumption or stress or other mental stress, as a result of which the skin as a so-called "mirror of Soul "shows rough and cracked.
Possible triggers are chemical or physical factors in the workplace or in the household that harm the hands. These include, for example, chemical substances, cleaning and washing agents, paints or solvents as well as frequent skin contact with hot water and soap products.
Rough skin on the hands due to too much hand washing
Water can severely affect the skin, because while regular hand washing cleanses the skin and is an important measure to protect against infections, "too much" can quickly cause it to "leach out". This happens on the one hand, because the skin softens when washing (especially with hot water) and thus becomes more susceptible to harmful substances.
Added to this is the soap, which not only removes the dirt, but also attacks the natural acid mantle of the skin with frequent use. If the resulting lack of fat and moisture is not subsequently compensated by appropriate care, it quickly leads to dry, cracked and / or flaky skin that tenses uncomfortably. In addition, the risk of inflammation and allergies increases as a result of the attacked barrier.
Rough, cracked hands, for example, can be the result of exaggerated hand washing. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) Cause medication
Certain medications may be the cause, as they may cause a change in the fluid balance or certain glandular functions. Examples are cortisone-containing skin creams or drugs used to flush water out of the body (diuretics), e.g. in case of edema, hypertension or heart failure.
Rough hands as signs of illness
Brittle hands can also be signs of illness and, as in the case of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis ("fish scales disease") indicate a serious fluid loss in the body. It is possible diabetes mellitus, which often leads to rough, itchy and chapped skin by the altered metabolism of those affected.
Hypothyroidism is an option because the lack of thyroid hormones also changes the appearance of the skin. As a result, facial paleness and scaly, rough skin often occur on the hands, feet and lower legs. Other typical symptoms that can occur in this context include brittle hair, chronic fatigue, constipation, weight gain, slow heartbeat (bradycardia), difficulty concentrating, and brittle nails.
Cause of skin problems can be mental illnesses such. to be an obsessive-compulsive disorder. In rough, dry hands, for example, a morbid washing compulsion may be considered here, by which the affected persons feel compelled to constantly cleanse their own body or individual parts of the body, certain objects or the whole apartment.
Background is usually a panic fear or a disgust of dirt, bacteria, viruses and body fluids or excretions that exist even if the contaminated objects are not touched ("pollution fears").
Diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are often associated with rough, dry skin and eczema on the hands. (Image: Ольга Тернавская / fotolia.com) It creates a strong inner restlessness and discomfort, which leads to extensive washing or cleaning rituals that can sometimes last for hours. However, the person concerned achieves exactly the opposite of the actual goal, because the excessive washing gradually destroys the natural acid protection layer of the skin. As a result, pathogens can penetrate more easily and lead to fungal infestation and other infectious skin diseases, moreover it is very common to eczema, itching, vacancy and allergies.
Brittle hands in winter
Especially in winter, many people get brittle and rough hands, because dry air, temperature fluctuations, freezing wind and a weakened by influenza infections immune system put the skin in this season especially strong. The reason for this is that, when the outside temperature is below 8 ° C, the body restricts sebum production, which makes the natural protective barrier more permeable.
Since cold air is very dry, the skin is additionally deprived of moisture, which is also done by dry heating air in the office or at home. The body parts which are not protected by clothing such as the face, lips and hands, which subsequently become dry, brittle, flaky and cracked, are particularly affected. Mostly it also comes to strong itching, small wrinkles and feelings of tension. It can also be faster than usual to eczema and inflammation.
Rough hands: what to do?
If the hands become rough, extremely dry and / or flaky, it is important to recognize the cause. The symptoms may indicate a skin disease such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, or other conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism. Accordingly, the complaints should first be clarified with a doctor. This can be determined by a thorough questioning of the patient (anamnesis), the examination of the affected areas and other measures such as taking care of the patient. An allergy test will determine the cause of the skin changes.
The therapy is based on the cause, for example, by the dermatologist prescribing cortisone-containing preparations or recommends an individually tailored care, through which the skin fat and moisture is supplied. If there is an underlying disease, it must also be treated. Here is e.g. in the case of atopic dermatitis usually treated in multiple stages, in addition to the basic care to improve the skin structure and medicines for itching and inflammation, for example. also patient training and complementary and alternative medical measures are used.
By individually tailored care, the skin can be supplied with fat and moisture. (Image: Ольга Тернавская / fotolia.com) Those affected can also do a few things themselves to treat their rough hands and prevent dry skin. Important is first the "right" hand washing. Although regular washing of the hands is important to prevent infection, it also affects the natural barrier function of the skin through constant contact with (hot) water and detergent substances (surfactants).
The horny layer swells, which loosens the cell structure and decreases the tear strength of the skin. The skin is deprived of protective fats, which makes it brittle and cracked and thus more permeable to harmful external influences. Accordingly, the hands should be washed regularly and thoroughly, but only with lukewarm water and a skin-friendly (liquid) soap without dyes and fragrances, which by markings such. "PH 5.5" is recognizable.
After washing, hands should be thoroughly dried, but without rubbing. Finger gaps should not be forgotten. For sensitive, rough skin it is indispensable to apply regular creams, especially when working frequently in damp or when dealing with dirt, lubricants and chemicals.
The hands are in some professions (such as hairdressing or metal industry) generally more stressed and stressed, but these can also be used in the context of home and garden work by detergents, fertilizers, etc. heavily.
There are various options for care, the central feature of which is to compensate for the existing lack of fat and moisture. Skin support for regeneration only works if the care is regularly distributed throughout the day and carried out consistently, so it is advisable to place the products wherever the hands are washed.
When choosing the "right" cream, it is advisable to make sure that the products are as greasy or rich as possible, but that they should not contain fragrances or preservatives to prevent skin irritations or allergies. These so-called water-in-oil emulsions, which contain more oil / fat than water, can smooth the rough skin surface and prevent further loss of water through the skin. Water-binding ingredients such as urea (urea), lactic acid and glycerin can enhance the effect here.
Rubber gloves protect the sensitive skin on your hands from the use of detergents. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) prevention
In addition to the appropriate care, an important step in the treatment or prevention is to protect the hands so that they do not even come into contact with harmful influences. For example, gloves can provide good protection in winter by not only keeping you warm, but also protecting your skin from dehydration. Protective and / or rubber gloves should always be worn in the relevant occupations and in all domestic work involving contact with liquids, chemicals and detergents.
If the direct contact with the latex, plastic or similar feeling uncomfortable and / or sweating their hands, cotton gloves can also be worn under the waterproof gloves to absorb the sweat of the hands and thereby reduce the swelling of the skin.
The skin can be well supported in its health and functioning through the diet. Especially in winter, many people tend to eat heavier and greasier, but the skin often does not get well. Instead, the body should generally be better balanced and fed mainly with whole grains and dairy products, vegetables, legumes, fruits and fish to be absorbed by the contained vital substances such. Vitamin A, zinc and iron strengthen the immune system and thereby the skin.
At the same time, attention should always be paid to sufficient drinking, because even if the feeling of thirst in winter is usually less, the body needs as much fluid here as in other seasons. Everybody should regularly drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of liquid (water, unsweetened tea, juice spritzers) throughout the day in order to provide the skin with enough moisture, at least "from the inside", despite the cold.
Natural home remedies for rough hands
Especially in cold temperatures, wind and snow as well as permanent exposure of the skin by household or work, the hands need a high-fat cream, and the care should be richer, the drier the skin. Here, for example, offer products with olive or evening primrose oil, with chapped hands can also creams with the ingredient help dexpanthenol. Also, a rich hand cream with urea (urea) is highly recommended, as it can bind very well water and thus helps to bind the moisture in the skin and prevent skin dryness.
A mixture of honey and lemon juice can make attacked hands supple again. (Image: alexkich / fotolia.com) If the creaming does not improve, the hands need extra care, e.g. be held for a few minutes in a hand-bath of olive, pumpkin seed or almond oil. For this purpose, a small bowl is filled with lukewarm water and a few drops of oil, in which the hands are soaked for 10 to 15 minutes. After the bath, the hands should only be gently blotted, if necessary, then a nourishing cream can be applied.
It is also helpful in many cases if the hands are creamed thick with a fatty cream before sleeping and then protected with cotton gloves overnight to allow the care to be absorbed well.
An almond paste has proven useful in the case of attacked hands, for which a few drops of almond oil are mixed with a tablespoon of powdered sugar and applied to the affected areas several times a day.
A mixture of two teaspoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey can be helpful, which is also massaged several times a day and left on each hand for about five minutes. Then wash your hands gently with lukewarm water, gently dry and, optionally, cream again with a greasy care. (nr, last updated on 10.11.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)