My Hands are Itchy and Dry

Posted: May 24th, 2019

Did you know that having dry and itchy hands is often a sign of other health issues that may require care from a physician? It is important to notice the skin's condition on your hands to talk to your physician about your concerns so that you can begin medical treatment for a particular health problem. In most cases, having dry skin is a minor issue that you can treat with the proper skin care regimen. Here are the most common reasons to have dry and itchy skin on your hands. 

Reason 1: Allergic Reactions

You can experience an allergic reaction from the fibers in gloves or from the chemicals in dish detergent, leading to a bad rash on the hands. Employees who work in certain occupations that require the handling of chemicals are more prone to having severe chronic allergic reactions that will require prevention by wearing protective plastic gloves. 

Reason 2: Diabetes Mellitus 

Diabetics can develop blisters on the hands, and to prevent an infection from diabetes dermatitis, you must use special ointments or lotions. If you can't overcome this type of skin problem on your own, then you should talk to your physician about how you can monitor your blood sugar levels in a better way. 

Reason 3: Eczema 

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that often begins during childhood, and it will last for a lifetime. Exposing the skin to certain types of contaminants can lead to a rough rash that may have blisters that bleed or ooze pus. It is essential to avoid any of the irritants that cause this type of inflammation. For this skin rash, creams, soaps, and ointments that contain coal tar are recommended. 

Reason 4: Medications

If you begin to take a medication for a health problem, then you might have a side effect that includes having itchy palms or a rash on the skin of the hands. Talk to your physician about this problem to determine if it is possible to switch you to a different medication. 

Reason 5: Nerve Damage

When you have nerve damage in your body from diabetes mellitus or another health problem, you can have itchy palms without any rash. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands is a serious condition, and it often gets worse during the night, leading to a burning or tingling sensation. You can find lotions and creams that are specially formulated for treating neuropathy of the hands.

Reason 6: Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver leads to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, and this can lead to having severe itchiness in the skin of the hands. Make sure to take the medications and follow the guidelines recommended by your physician to overcome cirrhosis, but you can also care for the skin on your itchy hands by using an anti-itch ointment that is approved by your physician.

Daily Skin Care Regimen for the Hands

Take care of the skin on your hands by washing away contaminants with warm water and a bar of mild soap before applying a soothing lotion or cream. In addition, you can visit a local day spa for soothing hand treatments that can alleviate skin rashes and itchiness.