Winter hands and feet - tips to stay soft and smooth
Winter weather wreaks havoc on hands and feet. Cold, dry air during the winter months can mean cracked and painful skin and eczema flares. Preventative steps can help keep the skin barrier happy during winter months.
Five tips to protect and care for hands and feet.
Shower Time – Make it Short and Not Too Hot.
Start the day with a lukewarm or warm, not hot shower and use a gentle cleanser formulated for eczema skin. It may be cold outside, and a hot shower feels good, but a hot, long shower tends to dry out the skin. And always rinse off well.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Apply a good amount of emollient on damp skin. Applying emollient to damp skin will help seal in the moisture from the shower or bath. Moisturizers such as Vanicream work best over damp skin. Wear eczema socks and gloves over an emollient at bedtime.
Cover Up before Heading Outside.
When venturing outside, wearing gloves will protect the delicate skin on hands from wind and cold. Put an eczema hand cream on before applying gloves. If you have wool or rough heavy duty gloves it may be soothing to wear your lightweight pair underneath. To protect feet, choose the right type of socks. Socks made with wool or polyester can irritate eczema. Look for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as 100% cotton or bamboo viscose socks. Breathable fabrics can help to prevent sweat from building up causing an increase in bacteria and sweat can make feet feel colder. Pack an extra pair of socks with you so you aren’t left wearing a pair of damp socks which could make eczema worse.
Wash Hands Carefully.
Winter is also cold and flu season, so many people wash hands more than ever. While this is a good practice it will also really dry skin out. Some commercial hand washes can be very harsh. It can be helpful to bring your favorite gentle cleanser and hand moisturizer to work or school so you’re never without. Prevent cracked hands by applying emollient or moisturizer immediately after washing.
Share the Love.
Preparing hands and feet for the winter can help prevent painful itchy and cracked skin and almost everyone experiences dry skin in the winter. Don’t forget friends and family this season who have dry or eczema skin. Gift sets or travel size winter skin care staples like emollient moisturizers, soft gloves, and socks make great stocking stuffers.
This information is not meant to replace a visit to a physician or a physician’s advice. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. AD RescueWear does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any condition.
