Chapped hands are the sign of damage to the outer layer of the skin cells. This damage can be manifested as rough skin. Rough skin is the result of the cells dry out and becoming partially loosened from the under layers of dermis. Chapped hands are also shown as dry skin. Dry skin results when the cells actually lose some or all of their moisture content and are no longer hydrated and plump. The redness of chapped hands is due to losing the top layer of skin so the tiny capillaries which nourish the skin are closer to the surface and therefore show more of the blood flow. In addition, the body’s natural healing mechanism brings extra blood supplies to any injured area to attempt to remedy the damage.
Another symptom of chapped hands is peeling. Peeling of the skin’s outer layers occurs when the cells lose their hydration and die. Then the dead cells slough off, sometimes in layers or groups of cells which appear as peeling skin. Cracking occurs when the breaks in the protective organ for the body known as the skin becomes too thin due to slough off, and minor cracks show the under layers of the skin. Because infection can enter through any break in the skin, where cracks can sometimes enlarge and become even more dry and painful.
Sensitivity occurs when the skin cells have disappeared or become thinned to the point where nerve endings are closer to the surface of the skin. Therefore sensitivity to the extent of pain can result. Tenderness of the chapped hands is another way of expressing that the delicate balance of the skin’s infection fighting and protective layer has been compromised.
The listed symptoms are only the result of damage already done. They are uncomfortable, painful even and can lead to infection and scars. Chapped hands can result from any one of a number of causes; determining the cause can do much toward accomplishing a permanent cure. The simplest cure is to stop doing whatever it is that is causing the problem.
Exposure to harsh chemicals or even just plain water too often, weather extremes to unprotected hands; allergies to substances taken internally or externally and sometimes diseases such as eczema and psoriasis all cause the hands to reflect the symptoms.
The symptoms are preventable in most cases if the underlying cause is dealt with. It’s important to take care of the skin on the hands and elsewhere on the body for general good health.