How to Repair Severely Dry Hands

Dry hands can be extremely bothersome. They hurt and can even bleed sometimes. Many are embarrassed by their itchy, flaky hands. Numerous conditions affect hands, including the environment. Knowing what dries the skin and how to fix it, will help repair your severely dry hands.

Things You'll Need

• Lotion
• Petroleum jelly
• Cotton gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep a journal of everything you put on your hands during the day. Write down the soaps, oils and other products that touch your hands. Do not forget lotions, as they may be a cause of some dryness due to chemicals.

• 2

  Use lotion properly. Apply lotion when hands are damp to increase absorption. Allow lotion to sit on the hands for a few minutes and towel off any excess. Squeeze the lotion onto your palm and flip your hand over. If the lotion runs, you are using the wrong lotion. It is not thick enough.

• 3

  Apply lotion after exposure to a drying product or substance. Over exposure to water dries out the hands. If your hands feel tight after drying, moisturize. Understand your need for applying lotion and moisturize when needed.

• 4

  Moisturize overnight using petroleum jelly and cotton gloves. After you have prepared for bed, apply petroleum jelly liberally to your hands. Put on the gloves and leave them overnight. This is one way to keep moisture on your hands for a prolonged period of time. Results are often noticeable the next morning.