Treatment for dry, cracked hands or fingers may be short-term if there is a definite cause for example in winter the skin becomes drier and itchier. Keep your hands well hydrated that way skin will ‘glow’ with moisture ensuring they remain brighter and younger.

Severely parched skin, on the other hand, may become a more serious skin condition if help is not sought. Dermatologists are qualified to help diagnose causes and provide a regimen. With proper care, even skin with deep fissures can become revitalised again.

Hand rash and treatment

The skin on your hands is delicate and rashes can be a common problem causing reddening, itching, blisters, cracks, dryness and white flaky skin. The cause could either be bacteria or fungal in nature or may be more severe like eczema or psoriasis. Treatment is essential and it is important to know the factors that may trigger the problem. The use of harsh soaps, detergents and chemicals, for example may exacerbate the situation. Excessive hand-washing or genetics may also be factors. Moisturising your hands can ease the problem temporarily, however in severe cases, a doctor is a must and medication may be given by said medical practitioner.

Calluses and treatment

Callusses are dead skin formed from constant friction over a long period of time, resulting in thick and hard skin. At first glance, they will come off looking lumpy, with a hue of gray or yellow to the skin. Callusses are less sensitive to the touch because of its hardened quality, mainly forming to defend the skin from further pressure, rubbing or bruising.

It is usual for hands and feet to form calluses, however, they may cause an issue of pain when they grow larger. On hands, calluses normally develop at the bottom of the fingers. They are not painful normally and mother nature may have even provided with a use. For example, a mechanic, might develop calluses to protect his or her hands from constant usage of his tools. Tennis or golf players might develop calluses on their palms to protect their hand from the pressure of using a tennis racquet or golf club.

Put your Feet Up

Athlete’s foot

A skin condition, usually starting between the toes or on the bottom of the feet, which can spread to other parts. It is caused by a fungus, which most often attacks feet because the wearing of shoes and socks may fuel fungus growth due to moisture collecting. Athlete’s foot is almost always accompanied with scaly, itchy, inflamed and blistered skin. Some ways to prevent athlete’s foot is to ensure that feet are washed daily with a combination of soap and warm water, dried thoroughly including the spaces between the toes, and ensuring that socks are fresh and shoes are dry to limit dampness..

Blisters

Blisters are caused by skin friction and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Don’t burst them, instead apply a plaster over blisters, and leave it on until they fall off naturally. Your feet should always be kept dry and never forget to wear socks, as this acts as a protective “pillow” against your footwear. Should a blister open up on its own, wash that spot, put on some antiseptic and dress it properly.

Corns and calluses are layers of dead skin cells. Corns are hard skin that occurs over a bony area such as a joint. They are created from constant abrasion and force stemming from the skin rubbing against skeletal areas. Corns normally happen on the toes whilst calluses at the base of the feet, and the abrasion and pressure can hurt a lot – they should never be cut.

Smelly feet or foot odour is caused by too much sweating from the more than 250,000 sweat glands present in the foot. Foot hygiene is absolutely crucial – shoes and socks must be changed everyday. To help reduce the odour, you could apply foot powder and antiperspirants, or even soaking shoes in a recipe of vinegar and water may prove beneficial.

Examine Your Skin

The best thing you can do for your hands and feet, however, is to do a self-check regularly. If you acquaint yourself with your own skin, you’ll be more likely to notice any changes that should be brought to a professional’s attention. Moles or other variances should be mentioned to your doctor as soon as possible to rule out more serious skin conditions.