DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What does it mean to have cracked skin of the hands?
This is a condition when the skin is cracked.
This may include the skin of the hands and fingers.
Images of cracked skin of the hands
Below is an image of cracked skin of the hands on lighter skin:
Below is an image of cracked skin of the hands on darker skin:
What causes cracked skin of the hands?
One of the most common causes is excessive hand washing.
Kids who suck on their fingers are more likely to have cracked skin.
The repeated exposure to saliva causes the skin to break down.
Outdoor play during the winter months can dry out and crack the skin.
The winter months have drier air, so this dries out the skin more.
Some medical conditions may increase the risk of the skin cracking such as:
Atopic dermatitis/eczema.
Fungal infections of the hands.
Dry skin.
Some medications can cause dryness.
So be sure to tell your child’s primary healthcare provider about any medications your child is taking.
How is cracked skin of the hands diagnosed?
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you and your child (if age appropriate) a number of questions.
Your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child.
Usually by talking to you and examining your child, the diagnosis can be made.
If your child’s healthcare provider has any additional concerns, they may refer your child to a dermatologist.
What are the symptoms of cracked skin of the hands?
The cracks may be anywhere on the hands, including the fingers.
The cracks can be painful.
The pain may increase when exposed to soap or water.
The cracks may cause pain when your child moves or uses their hands.
The cracked area may bleed at times.
The skin may also feel hard, dry, or thickened.
The area may feel itchy at times.
How is cracked skin of the hands prevented?
Use lotions, creams, oils, or thick emollients like petrolatum (for example, Aquaphor and Vaseline) to keep your child’s hands hydrated.
Applying two to three times daily is helpful.
Apply before and after your child plays outside during the winter months.
Monitor your child for finger sucking and use these tips to help with that behavior.
Monitor your child for excessive hand washing.
For clean hands, washing when dirty for 20 seconds at a time is considered normal.
Avoid using harsh soaps.
The water can be warm, it doesn’t need to be hot to clean the hands and kill the germs.
The hotter the water, the more it dries out the skin.
Encourage your child to drink lots of water to keep their skin hydrated.
How is cracked skin of the hands treated?
Keep the skin of your child’s hands hydrated with lotions, creams, and thick emollients like petrolatum (for example, Aquaphor and Vaseline).
Applying two to three times per day is helpful.
Apply a moisturizer before and after your child plays outside during the winter months.
Encourage your child to drink a lot of water.
Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies.
This helps them with needed vitamins and minerals for their skin.
Use warm water for hand washing.
Hot water is not needed to kill germs.
Avoid harsh soaps.
Hands are clean after 20 seconds of washing.
Monitor your child for excessive hand washing.
If your child sucks on their fingers work with them on decreasing this behavior.
For mild to deep cracks, you can use these over-the-counter products:
Liquid sealants (for example, Nexcare skin crack care, Kerasal, Heel-Seal, HelsRx)
Skin healing bandages.
Follow the directions on the package.
It may take weeks to months for the cracks to heal.
The longer the cracks have been there, the longer it will take them to heal.
Your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe a medication if there are concerns for an infection.
Areas of broken skin are at an increased risk for a bacterial infection.
Your child’s healthcare provider may refer your child to a dermatologist.
When to contact your healthcare team:
Your child’s skin cracks are not improving or getting worse.
Your child’s skin cracks look red, irritated, or infected.
Your child is complaining of pain.
You have concerns about your child’s skin.
Your are concerned about your child’s excessive hand washing.
Your child is a finger sucker and you would like help for them.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from DermNet, UpToDate, Healthychildren.org,
Images from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/6-health-issues-behind-dry-cracked-fingertips-and-how-to-treat-them/articleshow/124395536.cms, https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/extremely-dry-dehydrated-cracked-skin-mans-hand-with-fragments-epidermis-that-exfoliate_19825959.htm