Which products help against cracked hands?

In HLN, Dr Griet Voet assesses ten products against cracked hands. Cracks appear when overly dry skin splits open; cold, frequent handwashing, soap and hot water damage the protective lipid layer. Hand eczema and contact allergy can also play a part. If you do nothing, you risk open wounds.

Petroleum jelly protects, but does not actively repair and is only sufficient for mild symptoms. Zinc ointment is better suited to weeping wounds than to dry, deep cracks. Products with many ingredients or fragrances can irritate damaged skin, even if they are plant-based. Thick crack-repair pastes that fill the crack and contain restorative ingredients work best. Dr Voet advises treating deep cracks in the evening and consulting a dermatologist if the symptoms keep coming back.

• Choose a thick crack-repair paste that fills the crack, rather than an ordinary cream.

• Apply a thick layer in the evening and cover with a glove or plaster.

• Avoid heavily fragranced products on damaged skin.

• If the cracks keep coming back, consult a dermatologist.