Keeping hands & feet hydrated during Winter?

[ginger179]

What would be your best advice to keep hands & feet hydrated over the cold winter months? My hands are always dry no matter how much I moisturise and my feet get really bad over winter yet I moisturise morning & evening, is there anything else I could be doing?

[Dr Emma Wedgeworth]

I would say for moisturiser, a really thick greasy cream - an ointment emollient- is the best. You can also use it 'under occlusion' eg with gloves, cotton socks, or even cling film. For feet, creams with urea in can also be helpful for cracked heels. With your hands, avoid washing them too much with soaps/handwashes and use emollient based washes. If this doesn't help, you may need a mild antiinflammatory cream from your doctor. Remember the skin on your hands and feet is the thickest skin in your body.