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How to Treat Dry Hands



Moisturizing Your Hands

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Method 1 Quiz

What type of coconut oil should you use on your skin?

Not exactly! Refined coconut oil is made by heating the oil to a high temperature. This removes the properties that make it beneficial for your skin. There’s a better option out there!

Absolutely! Refined coconut oil is heated to a high temperature, altering it so it is not as beneficial for the skin. Instead, check the label to make sure you snag unrefined coconut oil. Read on for another quiz question.

Nope! Pasteurization is a process that removes the bacteria in our foods. It is not used for coconut oil. There’s a better option out there!

Not quite! The word unpasteurized is usually used to refer to food that hasn't been processed, such as milk. It is not used to describe a type of coconut oil. Guess again!

Keeping Them from Drying Out

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    • Look for a gentle soap that doesn't have sulfates, which are abrasive and drying. An oil-based, moisturizing soap is good for dry hands.
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Method 2 Quiz

Why should you avoid washing your hands too frequently?

Yes! Your skin produces natural oils that moisturize and protect your skin. You will further dry out your hands if you wash these oils away too frequently without giving them the chance to work. Read on for another quiz question.

Not exactly! While you can burn yourself if you use water that is too hot, warm water should not irritate your skin. However, remember to only wash your hands when you really need to, like before eating or after using the bathroom. Choose another answer!

Not necessarily! As long as you avoid soap that contains sulfates, which are harsh and abrasive, your soap should not dry out your hands. Choose an oil-based, moisturizing soap for the best results. Choose another answer!

Nope! As long as you wash your hands gently, you should not open any cuts on your hands. In fact, if you have cuts, you should wash with antibacterial soap to clean out germs. Try again...

Treating Cracks and Cuts

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Method 3 Quiz

What should you use to trim dead skin from your hands?

Not quite! A knife is too difficult to handle when trimming delicate dead skin away from the deep cracks in your hands. You could accidentally jab the knife too far and hurt yourself more! Pick another answer!

Definitely not! You should not use your fingers to pull dead skin from the deep cracks in your hands. You could end up pulling off too much skin, and your fingers contain all sorts of germs that can infect the cut! Guess again!

Nice! The small, sharp blades of cuticle scissors are ideal for trimming the dead skin away from deep cracks in your hands. Be sure to wash your hands with soapy water first to prevent infection. Read on for another quiz question.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I treat my dry hands?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
  • Question
    Should I apply coconut oil to my hands everyday?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should add cocount oil to your hands every day for softer skin.
  • Question
    Where can I get cotton gloves?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
    You can buy cotton gloves online using sites like Amazon.
  • Question
    Can I use cocoa butter to moisturize my hands?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
  • Question
    How do I know if I have eczema, psoriasis, or a fungal infection?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
    If you suspect you have one of these affections you should see a dermatologist, as they can diagnose and treat you in the best way possible.
  • Question
    What can I use for cracked and bleeding hands?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Community Answer
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    • Use aloe after sun exposure to restore moisture to hands.


    • If hand dryness worsens, visit a doctor.

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    Categories: Hand and Foot Care

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