<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about cracked and chapped skin (3) Prepare for the cold season! Prevention and treatment methods for cracked and chapped skin How to prevent chapped and cracked skin How to treat chapped and cracked skin Be careful of worsening (severe) cracks and chapped skin. To prevent chapped and cracked skin, measures must be taken throughout daily life. Furthermore, if chapped or cracked skin has already occurred, it is necessary to treat the symptoms appropriately to prevent them from worsening. Here, we will explain how to prevent and treat chapped and cracked skin, as well as when to seek medical attention. How to prevent chapped and cracked skin Here are some measures you should take to prevent cracks and chapped skin: Wear rubber gloves when doing housework involving water. Wear rubber gloves when doing housework involving water to protect your hands from irritation caused by detergents and water. If it gets wet, immediately wipe it gently with a towel. Leaving your skin wet can cause the moisture in your skin to evaporate along with the water as it evaporates. Use an absorbent towel and gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. Make sure to moisturize thoroughly. After wiping away the moisture, apply a moisturizing cream or other moisturizer. Keeping a moisturizing cream readily available near where you wash your hands, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, is convenient.In addition to moisturizers containing ceramides, if you have symptoms of keratinization (thickening of the skin), products containing vitamin A (retinol) are recommended. Vaseline, which adheres well and is difficult to remove, is less irritating and suitable for people with dermatitis.For dryness and keratinization symptoms alone, urea-based creams can be effective. However, be careful as applying them to eczema or wounds may cause pain or itching. Creams and lotions containing heparinoid or vitamin E are also recommended. Be careful when using hot water. Hot water can strip the skin of essential moisturizing components, so be careful about the temperature. Protect your skin from the elements with gloves, hats, earmuffs, etc. During the cold season, it's important to protect your skin from the cold, dry air to prevent it from losing essential moisture. Make good use of gloves, socks, hats, earmuffs, and other protective gear. Prevent the room from drying out Low humidity in a room can lead to dry skin, making you more prone to cracks and chapping. This is especially true during seasons when air conditioning is frequently used. High humidity can also cause viruses and mold to multiply, so it's best to maintain a humidity level of around 50%. Soaking in lukewarm water promotes blood circulation. If you only take a hot shower instead of a bath, your skin will dry out, and your body won't warm up properly. Especially in colder seasons, blood circulation tends to be poor, so take a bath in lukewarm water at 38-40°C to promote blood flow.However, avoid taking long baths. This can cause your skin to become waterlogged and its barrier function to weaken. Also, when washing your body, do not scrub vigorously with nylon towels or similar materials. It is recommended to use a gentle cleanser, lather it well, and wash by gently applying the foam to your skin with your palms. Eat a balanced diet. Daily meals contribute to healthy skin. First and foremost, a balanced diet is essential. Beyond that, you should also focus on consuming the following nutrients: ■ Protein Nutrients that form the building blocks of skin. A good guideline is to consume about one handful per meal. It is important to consume a balanced amount of both "animal protein" from meat, fish, and dairy products, and "plant protein" from soybeans, etc. ■ Vitamin A This nutrient helps repair the skin and keeps it healthy. It is abundant in green and yellow vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, as well as in liver and eel. ■ Vitamin E This nutrient promotes blood circulation and also offers antioxidant benefits. It is abundant in avocados, nuts, and almonds. ■ Lipids This nutrient is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It's abundant in meat, dairy products, seafood, vegetable oils, and nuts. However, be careful not to consume too much. ■ Zinc This mineral is involved in the synthesis of proteins and cells. It is found in abundance in oysters, as well as red meat, chicken, crab, legumes, and nuts. In addition, it's best to avoid consuming too much cold food and drink, as these can cool the body. While moderate consumption of warming foods like ginger is recommended, it's best to avoid overly spicy foods like chili peppers.Also, be aware that drinking alcohol can worsen dryness. How to treat chapped and cracked skin When cracks and chapped skin develop, you may often be unsure how to treat them. This is especially true if there are wounds or pain. Here, we will explain the correct way to treat them. Keep clean First and foremost, it's important to keep your skin clean. However, be careful not to over-wash, which can lead to dryness. Instead of scrubbing your skin vigorously, wash as gently as possible. Choose a mildly acidic cleanser and wash gently with lather. Avoid using nylon towels as much as possible, as they can not only worsen dryness but also damage the skin. Perform moisturizing care frequently. If you already have cracked or chapped skin, you need to be mindful of itching and pain. In addition to moisturizers for cracked and chapped skin, apply petroleum jelly or other gentle products frequently. It is most effective to apply them slowly, without rubbing the skin, and imagine gently massaging them in. Protect the wound from irritation. For wounds, dermatologists will treat them by applying an antibiotic ointment for wounds. When using liquid bandages, make sure to keep the affected area clean, as bacterial infection can worsen the wound. Use of pharmaceuticals Medications for chapped and cracked skin are also effective. Use them according to the affected area and symptoms. However, if you experience pain or itching as a result of using them, stop using them immediately. Get quality sleep Growth hormones, which promote skin repair, are secreted while you sleep at night. Avoid habits that interfere with falling asleep easily (eating right before bed, caffeine, alcohol, and strong light stimulation from smartphones and televisions). Visit a hospital (dermatology department) If dryness persists despite moisturizing, there may be an underlying dermatitis, so we recommend seeing a doctor. You should also consult a doctor promptly if you experience severe pain from cracks, swelling around the cracks, or if the chapped skin is spreading rapidly. Be careful of worsening (severe) cracks and chapped skin. Leaving cracked heels untreated and bearing weight can cause the cracks to deepen and the symptoms to linger. In some cases, the cracks can worsen to the point where the dermis is exposed. Furthermore, for those whose occupations make it difficult to avoid irritation to their hands, such as hairdressers and chefs, the condition can often worsen into severe hand eczema. Cracks and chapped skin on the heels and fingertips are more susceptible to irritation than other areas, and therefore tend to worsen more easily. If your condition worsens, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association and is also a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, and the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.