Chapped hands result when our hands lose moisture and the natural oils present, because of over-washing, living in dry weather conditions. Some simple home remedies can be tried successfully to treat this condition. These are:

• Avoid using harsh soaps to wash hands.
• If you work too much with water, wear rubber gloves as far as you can.
• Moisturise your hands everytime you wash them.
• Use a mix of lemon juice and glycerine to moisturise your hands everytime you wash them. You can use 4 parts glycerine and one part lemon juice and store and keep for use.
• If they are too dry and chapped, you can use apply vaseline on your hands at bedtime.
• While moisturising, first apply a thin layer and let it soak into the skin. Follow it up with another thin layer. This works better on the skin.
• Once a day, dip your hands in lukewarm water for 4-5 minutes. Pat dry and apply almond oil or coconut oil. This provides nutrients and helps seal in the moisture.
• Olive oil or mustard oil can also be used in the above step.

Tags: home remedies, natural cure