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Your skin is dry, cracked, and red. Even though the dermal discomfort makes you want to stop washing, this isn't a healthy idea. While hot water and soap can dry hands, washing serves a serious purpose. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the top ways to avoid viral, bacterial, and other illnesses.

If handwashing-related dryness causes significant discomfort, irritation, or cracking/bleeding, you still need to continue this practice. But you can take steps to reduce the effects of dry skin.

Before you assume the dry skin is from excessive handwashing, make sure you don't another underlying issue. In most cases, the more you wash your hands, the drier they become. But some patients may have other issues, such as eczema or allergies, that aggravate this issue. If you also experience redness, irritation, or flaking under other circumstances, talk to your dermatologist about additional causes.

You can hydrate your hands and avoid the issues washing creates. Provided the dermatologist hasn't diagnosed you with an underlying skin condition (again, such as eczema or an allergy), you can reduce the effects with a moisturizing routine.

Over-the-counter creams and lotions can add moisture and soften your hands and treat mild dryness. Ask your dermatologist to recommend a moisturizer that will work best for your individual needs.

If your hands are extremely dry, the dermatologist may recommend a stronger moisturizing product or an ointment to stop cracking and peeling. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), products with lactic acid and urea can help the skin to hold in water. Even though these products may help to heal your dry hands, they can irritate cracked skin or eczema-related rashes.

Along with over-the-counter moisturizers, the dermatologist may prescribe a corticosteroid or an immune modulator medication. Not only can these topical medications soothe the skin, but they can also relieve itching, swelling, or redness caused by excessive handwashing.

While you shouldn't stop washing your hands, you can reduce the effects of water and soap products. To decrease the likelihood of dryness, turn down the heat. You don't need to wash your hands in scalding water to stop the spread of disease. The CDC recommends washing with warm or cold running water.

Your soap choice can also affect the severity of dryness. A harsh cleanser can dry your skin, irritate it, or aggravate existing dermatological issues. The dermatologist can help you to choose a non-drying or moisturizing cleansing product.

After you wash your hands, blot them dry. Even though this won't prevent dryness, it can reduce abrasions or irritation. If your hands aren't dry or you don't see visible damage, you can still protect your skin with moisturizer. Not only can a moisturizer product hydrate your hands, but it also acts as a protective barrier to future dryness.

You wash carefully with cool or warm water and a moisturizing cleanser. You blot your hands dry and you slather on a coat of cream. But your hands are still rough, dry, cracked, and chapped. What can you do? If you haven't already visited the dermatologist, the doctor is the first place to start. The doctor can evaluate your dryness issue and suggest a treatment plan.

Do you have dry skin? Contact Spartanburg Dermatology & Skin Surgery Clinic, P.C., for more information.