Causes and treatments for cracked skin on hands and feet.

For many people, cracked skin appears or gets worse during the winter, when dry air can lead to dryness on the hands, lips, or feet.

Sometimes cracked skin occurs due to a skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, or because the skin came into contact with an irritating substance.

Cracked skin can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, people living with diabetes may notice cracked skin on their soles.

In this article, we will cover some common causes of cracked skin on hands, feet, and lips plus treatments and home remedies that may help.

What is cracked skin?

According to the American Association of Dermatology (AAD), the fissures, or cuts, that mark cracked skin typically occur when a person’s skin is dry or irritated. Dry and cracked skin can:

• itch
• flake
• bleed

Some people may feel unpleasant sensations when applying any product to cracked skin. Their skin may also feel more sensitive to water temperature and household cleaning products.

Cracked skin can appear on any part of the body, but it is especially noticeable on exposed areas, such as the hands.

Causes

Cracked skin on the hands, feet, and lips can develop for a variety of reasons.

Dry skin

The AAD note that harsh winter temperatures and wind can irritate the skin. When air humidity drops, the skin can become dry and start to crack.

In cold or dry weather, many people also develop dry and cracked lips. Licking, biting, and picking can make cracked lips worse.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy, dry skin rash that develops when a person comes into contact with a specific substance. This may occur because a person has an allergy, or because the substance is toxic or irritating.

For example, someone with a latex allergy may develop contact dermatitis while wearing latex gloves. During the flu season, frequent hand washing can also cause dryness, itchiness, or cracking. This also applies to hand washing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more about frequent hand washing for people with skin conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eczema

People with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, have dry and itchy skin. The skin may look red and inflamed. Often, scratching will make the rash worse.

Eczema occurs when the skin barrier allows too much moisture to escape. The lack of moisture leads to dryness and, sometimes, cracked skin. It is not always clear what causes eczema, but it can run in families.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune conditionTrusted Source that affects the skin. People with psoriasis have patches of extremely dry skin, typically on the scalp, trunk, and around the joints. However, patches can appear anywhere on the body. Some people with psoriasis also experience pain.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is an infection of the feet caused by ringworm. Ringworm is a type of fungus. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• itchiness
• a rash between the toes
• skin peeling
• cracking of the skin

People are more likely to get athlete’s foot if they spend a lot of time in water, sweat a lot, or wear shoes that do not allow the skin to breathe.

Diabetic neuropathy

People living with diabetes may develop problems with their feet. This includes dry or cracked skin.

Due to changes in their nervous system, people with diabetes have feet that sweat less. While too much moisture is a risk factor for athlete’s foot, too little can make the skin dry, causing fissures.

As some people cannot see the soles of their feet, they must rely on a partner or their doctor to check them. Cracked skin on the feet can go unnoticed until the person develops an infection or a painful skin ulcer.

Treatment

The treatment a person tries will depend on the cause and location of their cracked skin.

For cracking that occurs in cold weather or as a result of frequent hand washing, The AAD recommend keeping the skin hydrated. A person can do this by applying fragrance- and dye-free hand cream or ointment immediately after washing the hands.

When choosing a moisturizer for cracked skin, people should look for these beneficial ingredients:

• olive oil
• jojoba oil
• shea butter
• lactic acid
• urea
• hyaluronic acid
• dimethicone
• glycerin
• lanolin
• mineral oil

As alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also cause dryness, dermatologists also recommend applying moisturizer after using them.

People with eczema and psoriasis also benefit from moisturizers to prevent flare-ups and protect the skin. However, they may require additional treatmentsTrusted Source to control flare-ups. This can include:

• corticosteroid creams
• calcineurin inhibitors
• medications
• UV light therapy

If the skin has become infected, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotic ointment or tablets.

According to one articleTrusted Source, people with athlete’s foot may need to change their footwear or apply talc to prevent sweating. They may also need to use antifungal products to treat ringworm.

An article in the International Journal of Nursing StudiesTrusted Source suggests that a lack of blood flow in the feet can contribute to cracked skin in people with diabetes. Managing blood flow to the feet by wearing compression stockingsTrusted Source may help.

Home remedies

To prevent cracked skin from getting worse, people should avoid washing their hands with hot water. Hot baths and showers can worsen dry or cracked skin. Dermatologists recommend:

• using warm rather than hot water
• closing the door of the bathroom to lock in moisture
• limiting time in the shower to a maximum of 10 minutes
• washing with a small quantity of a gentle fragrance-free cleanser
• drying the skin by blotting, not rubbing
• applying moisturizer immediately after blotting

Doctors also recommend that people wear gloves to protect their hands when:

• going outside in the winter
• performing tasks that get the hands wet
• using harsh chemicals, degreasers, and other substances

Some dermatologists recommend using a humidifier in the house if the air is dry. According to the AAD, humidifiers may also help to treat dry lips.

Lip balms can also help soothe dry or cracked lips. However, some lip balms may cause burning or stinging due to their ingredients. It is important to choose a nonirritating lip balm if you have cracked lips.

Certain fabrics can irritate dry skin. It may help to wear smooth, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or silk, and to avoid textured materials, such as wool. Using hypoallergenic laundry detergents and fabric softeners may also help to reduce irritation.

Complications

People with cracked skin are more prone to infections because the skin barrier is broken. Bacteria and other germs can get inside the skin and cause an infection.

People who notice pain, redness, inflammation or pus at the site of the fissure must see a doctor. Fissures can also start to bleed.

People living with diabetes have poor circulation in their feet and may have dysfunctions in their nervous system. These conditions can cause dry skin and cracks that are slow to heal.

Sometimes fissures on the soles of the feet can develop into painful ulcers, which can make it challenging for people to stand or walk. According to one articleTrusted Source, some people with diabetes may require amputation if their ulcers become severe.

When to see a doctor

If moisturizing frequently and avoiding behaviors that cause cracked skin do not help, a person should speak with a doctor. The doctor can check for any underlying conditions.

A pharmacist can help a person choose an appropriate cream or ointment to soothe cracked hands and feet.

People who have signs of complications from cracked skin must also speak with a doctor. These signs include skin that is:

• red
• inflamed
• painful
• hot

People with diabetes should see a doctor if they develop ulcers from cracked skin on the soles of the feet. Ulcers can make it difficult to walk and require medical attention.

Summary

Cracked skin on hands and feet is common in winter, but can also occur with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and athlete’s foot. To prevent cracked skin, people should avoid using hot water and harsh chemicals, and moisturize after washing.

People with skin conditions that lead to cracked skin may require medication to treat the underlying cause. If moisturizing frequently and avoiding triggers does not help, a person should speak to their doctor.

Some of the products in this article are available to purchase in pharmacies or online:

• dry skin cream
• eczema cream
• psoriasis cream
• lip balms
• athlete’s foot products

 

What to know about COVID-19 and eczema.

COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some people with eczema may find that developing COVID-19 aggravates their symptoms.

COVID-19 is highly contagious and can present in different ways. It sometimes occurs with mild or no symptoms, while some people experience severe symptoms and complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.

Research has found links between COVID-19 and eczema flare-ups, possibly due to more frequent handwashing, increased stress, and other causes.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article looks at eczema and how COVID-19 might affect it. We also consider treatment and prevention for COVID-19 and eczema and when to consult a doctor.

What is eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. People often use the words eczema and atopic dermatitis interchangeably, as atopic dermatitis is the most common form of the disorder. Atopic refers to conditions involving the immune system, including eczema, hay fever, and asthma. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin.

Eczema is common, affecting 31.6 million people in the United States.

Symptoms of eczema vary from person to person and are dependent on the severity of the condition, a person’s age, and other factors. People with eczema typicallyTrusted Source experience periodic flare-ups.

Symptoms generally include:

• itching
• patches of red, scaly, dry skin
• sores that can open and ooze when a person scratches them

In People of Color, symptoms may also include:

• a brown or gray rash
• lighter or darker patches of skin which may last even when other symptoms have gone away

How might COVID-19 affect eczema?

Evidence suggests that people with eczema are not at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 than those who do not have eczema. In people with eczema, the immune system does not work correctly, but it is not compromised. Eczema occurs due to an overactive immune system.

Interestingly, the overactive immune system in a person with eczema may be a factor in lowering the risk of COVID-19.

Research has found atopic diseases, including eczema, are associated with 23%Trusted Source lower odds of developing COVID-19. In addition, people with both eczema and asthma had 38% lower odds of infection.

However, COVID-19 can also exacerbate eczema symptoms.

People may experience more severe eczema symptoms more regularly because of COVID-19-related circumstances.

Frequent handwashing

SARS-CoV-2 often transmitsTrusted Source via airborne droplets that a person breathes in. Droplets and particles may also land on surfaces or a person’s face, nose, or hands. One of the ways to avoid the spread of SARS-CoV-2 includes regular handwashing. Experts recommend people wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 secondsTrusted Source or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.

Frequent washing may lead to dry skin on the hands, which can become scaly and brittle and lead to an eczema flare-up. Healthcare workers with eczema may experience even greater trauma to the skin on their hands due to constant washing and infection-prevention practices.

A 2021 reviewTrusted Source found that healthcare workers in China and the UK experienced a significant increase in skin trauma due to continuous handwashing in response to COVID-19.

Changes in treatment

Without treatment, symptoms of eczema can worsen. One 2021 studyTrusted Source involving 36 participants suggests people with eczema were less likely to seek medical care because they did not want to burden the system with nonemergency situations during the pandemic. People also found it more challenging to get appointments and lacked trust in telephone consultations.

Wearing masks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, anyone older than 2 years should wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public areas where the COVID-19 community level is high.

For some people with eczema, a protective mask that rubs against the skin for long periods may worsen or trigger eczema.

Increased stress

Emotional stress may trigger an eczema flare-up. COVID-19 brought about many challenges and worries, which increased stress levelsTrusted Source for many people.

Treatment

There is no cure for eczema, but people can manage the condition with treatment.

Eczema treatment

A doctor or dermatologist can treat eczema with a combination of therapies, such as medication, skin care, and phototherapy.

Doctors may prescribe the following medications to treat eczema:

• corticosteroid creams or ointments to decrease inflammation
• moisturizing creams to help repair the skin barrier
• biologic medication, which blocks certain functions of the immune system
• immune inhibitors, such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

A doctor may also recommend skin care strategies such as moisturizing after showering or bathing and avoiding harsh skin care products or products with strong scents.

Another potential treatment option is phototherapy or light therapy. This procedure involves using ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation.

COVID-19-induced eczema treatment

To avoid drying out the hands from frequent handwashing, which may trigger an eczema flare-up, a person can try using warm water rather than hot water, pat hands dry afterward, and apply moisturizer. They may benefit from using a gentle hand cleanser for sensitive skin.

If masks irritate facial eczema, a person can invest in a soft, high quality mask that is less likely to roughly rub against the skin.

To reduce stress, a person can try relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises or reach out to the Disaster Distress Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990 for immediate crisis counseling.

COVID-19 treatment

Treatment for COVID-19 happens on a case-by-case basis, as the severity and symptoms of the virus differ between people. Treatment may involve medication, such as the corticosteroid dexamethasone or the antiviral drugs Paxlovid, molnupiravir, or Veklury (remdesivir).

Prevention

There are steps a person can take to help prevent eczema and COVID-19.

Eczema

To prevent an eczema flare-up, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesTrusted Source recommends that people should try:

• following a skin care routine and moisturize with appropriate products regularly
• preventing irritations to the skin by avoiding harsh products and clothing that rubs or irritates
• managing stress
• maintaining comfortable temperatures that are not too hot or cold

COVID-19

The CDCTrusted Source recommends that people can help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by:

• washing their hands regularly
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• wearing a mask
• getting fully vaccinated
• staying 6 feet away from others
• avoiding poorly ventilated areas and crowds
• covering sneezes and coughs
• getting tested
• taking precautions when traveling

When to contact a doctor

A person with eczema should contact a doctor if:

• eczema is affecting their day-to-day life
• over-the-counter medication is ineffective
• the eczema lesions look infected, with pus or red streaks
• eczema lesions cover a large area of the body

A person with COVID-19 should seek medical care if their breathing is affected or symptoms are severe. They should call ahead to the medical facility if possible.

Summary

Research has found that people with eczema may be at a lower risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

However, people with eczema may experience more flare-ups due to factors brought about by COVID-19. These include dry skin from frequent handwashing, flare-ups from increased stress, and irritation caused by masks.

To reduce eczema flare-ups during the pandemic, a person should maintain a skin care routine that includes frequent moisturizing, washing hands in lukewarm water, moisturizing after washing, managing stress as best they can, and investing in a soft, high quality face mask. A person should follow CDC guidelines to help prevent coronavirus.

Source - Medical News Today