By Laura Norman, PA-C | Dermatology at Boulder Medical Center
Serving Boulder, Louisville, and Longmont, Colorado
Colorado winters are beautiful, but they’re also harsh on skin. Between dry air, cold temperatures, indoor heating, and our famously windy Boulder County days, many people experience painful, cracked hands throughout the season.
When the skin’s moisture barrier becomes damaged, simple dryness can progress to itching, redness, pain, and fissures, a condition known as hand dermatitis. For some people, this becomes a chronic issue that impacts daily activities and work.
Below, we’ll cover what causes hand dermatitis, who’s most at risk, and how to protect your hands in Colorado’s climate.
Why Hand Dermatitis Happens
While anyone can develop hand dermatitis, certain factors increase the risk, especially in dry, high-altitude environments like Boulder County.
- A history of eczema
People who had eczema as a child or have eczema elsewhere on their body are more prone to moisture loss and hand irritation. - Frequent water or chemical exposure
Jobs or daily routines that require repeated handwashing or contact with water or cleaning products can weaken the skin barrier. Examples include:- Healthcare workers
- Teachers and childcare providers
- Hairdressers
- Cleaners and janitorial staff
- Metalworkers or mechanics
- Food service workers
- Irritant or allergic reactions
Some people react to everyday products, even items they’ve used for years. Irritation can come from:- Dish soap, laundry detergent, or household cleaners
- Hand sanitizers
- Jewelry or metals
- Latex gloves
- Certain lotions or fragrances
Colorado’s dry environment can intensify these reactions because the skin is already dehydrated.
Symptoms of Hand Dermatitis
Common signs of hand dermatitis include:
- Dry, red, flaking skin
- Itching
- Painful fissures (deep cracks)
- Small bumps, sometimes fluid-filled
- Peeling skin
How to Treat Hand Dermatitis at Home
If your symptoms are mild or chronic, these steps often help:
- Choose handwashing over sanitizer
Soap and water are less drying than alcohol-based sanitizers. - Rinse soap thoroughly when washing your hands
Residue on the skin can worsen irritation. - Wear protective gloves
Use gloves when cleaning, doing dishes, or working with chemicals. - Try superglue for deep cracks
A thin layer can help fissures close more quickly. (Medical-grade surgical glue is similar.) - Use a dimethicone-based hand cream
Apply at least three times daily, especially right after washing your hands. Recommended options:- CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
- Gloves in a Bottle
- Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Cream
- Nighttime moisture therapy
Before bed, especially in winter, apply Vaseline or Aquaphor, then cover hands with cotton socks or gloves.
What if Your Hands Still Aren’t Improving?
If you’ve tried these steps and your hands are still dry, painful, or cracked, it may be time to see a dermatology provider. Several prescription-strength treatments can calm inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and control flare-ups. Medicated ointments used twice daily are often very effective.
Laura Norman, PA-C, Dermatology
Dermatology at Boulder Medical Center
If symptoms interfere with daily life, aren’t improving with home care, or it’s unclear whether the reaction is eczema, an allergy, or another condition, Dermatology at Boulder Medical Center offers comprehensive evaluation and care. Our providers see patients in Boulder, Louisville, and Longmont.
Laura Norman, PA-C, cares for both adults and children, providing skin cancer screenings and treatment, acne management, eczema and psoriasis care, and support for a wide range of dermatologic concerns.