Home remedies for dry chapped hands

Very dry and chapped hands are a result of loss of moisture in the skin cells of the dermis or outer layer of the skin cells. The home remedies therefore, are a process of reversing that loss of moisture through both preventative and aggressive treatment of the symptoms.

Preventative home remedies for dry chapped hands are first and foremost directed at staying away from water on the hands. Use protective gloves when ever possible to prevent constant washing and drying of already painful and dry skin tissue. If possible, use products such as those for cleaning infants that do not rely on water yet are gentle and thorough for their cleaning properties. Avoid long, hot baths for the same reason. The combination of heat and moisture robs the skin of its layer of natural protection of the surface cells. Other preventative techniques include reducing or eliminating exposure of the hands to sun, wind and cold weather

Aggressive symptomatic home remedies for dry chapped hands are wide ranging. It seems as if every person who has ever been troubled by the condition has advice on what worked for them to relieve the symptoms. Internal remedies even if used in combination with topical home remedies for dry chapped hands are probably the best one-two combination to beat the problem. Drink plenty of water, at least half your body weight in ounces daily. Eat a nutritious diet with recommended levels of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Some home remedies for treating chapped and dry hands which have stood the test of time include mixing a teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of any vegetable oil and one tablespoon of rose oil. Mix together and rub into dry and crusty areas of the hands for up to seven minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. This remedy helps the skin stay soft and supple.

A mixture of one cup of buttermilk and one tablespoon of almond oil rubbed into the hands at bedtime until the mixture is used up, then wearing cotton gloves to bed is guaranteed to leave the hands soft and smooth.

Other home remedies for dry chapped hands include using aloe vera, particularly when cuts or scrapes occur, raw potato and onion juice. Milk is a quick antidote to the pain of burns and scrapes and is available in almost every kitchen.

By using this combination of prevention and treatment, you may find your hands feeling smoother and less painful than they have in years.