Chapped skin hurts and annoys. Whether your hands crack in winter or your lips split after wind exposure, you want fast relief and a plan to stop it coming back. Here are practical tips you can use today.
First, find the cause. Cold air, frequent hand washing, harsh soaps, wind, sun and certain medications all dry skin. If your skin peels only on your hands, chemicals or over-washing are likely. If lips and nose are involved, weather and dehydration are common. Pinpointing the trigger makes treatment simpler.
Next, fix your routine. Swap harsh soaps for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Use lukewarm water — hot water strips oils. After washing, pat skin dry; don’t rub. Apply a thick, emollient moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. For hands and body, creams with glycerin, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone work well. For very dry patches, reach for an ointment containing petrolatum or lanolin overnight.
For lips, choose a balm with beeswax, petrolatum or shea butter. If your lip balm has menthol or camphor it might sting and worsen dryness. Apply frequently, especially before going outside. If you use lipstick that dries lips, apply a balm underneath and choose hydrating formulas.
When chapped skin is painful or cracked, treat like a minor wound. Clean the area, apply an antibiotic ointment if cracking breaks the skin, then cover with a breathable bandage. Change dressings daily until healed. Avoid picking flakes or peeling skin — that delays recovery and risks infection.
Try a simple overnight mask: spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly or thick cream on the dry area and wear cotton gloves or socks. For lips, a tiny dab of honey can soothe and has mild antimicrobial properties. Oatmeal baths soothe widespread dryness and itch — grind oats into a paste and add to warm (not hot) bath water.
If redness, swelling, pus, spreading rash, or severe pain appear, see a healthcare provider. Also seek help when chapping doesn’t improve after two weeks of proper care or when it keeps returning despite changes in routine. Persistent chapping could signal eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, or a vitamin deficiency that needs targeted treatment.
Prevention matters. Wear gloves in cold weather and when using cleaning products. Apply sunscreen on exposed skin and lips before heading outdoors. Stay hydrated and consider a humidifier at home during dry months. If medications dry your skin, talk to your prescriber about alternatives or supportive measures.
Quick checklist: gentle cleanser, seal with emollient, avoid irritants, protect from weather, treat cracks promptly, see a doctor if infection signs appear. A few simple habits can fix most cases of chapped skin and stop it from coming back.
Products I trust: thick night creams with ceramides, petrolatum jars, and fragrance-free hand creams. Look for labels saying 'for very dry skin' or 'emollient'. If you have eczema, a steroid cream from your doctor for short courses often helps. Simple changes beat fancy products often.
Treating chapped skin caused by acne medications can be a real challenge. It's important to keep your skin moisturized with a non-comedogenic lotion to avoid clogging your pores. Also, try to limit your use of harsh soaps and hot water, as they can strip your skin of natural oils. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, which can help alleviate dryness. Remember, always consult with your dermatologist before making changes to your skincare routine.
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