While most of us spend a fortune on pampering our face, we often neglect our hands. We wash them several times a day without bothering to moisturise afterwards; we expose them to detergents and all sorts of harsh products. We also often forget to give them sunscreen protection. Eventually this carelessness not only makes our hands rough but also leads to wrinkles and premature aging.

Dr Sadia Masood, Consultant Dermatologist, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital says, “Our hands are the first to show signs of neglect. Besides the harsh sun and chafing wind, our hands are in direct contact with drying elements like detergents, hot water, etc. Keeping hands moisturised is crucial in order to avoid roughness, wrinkles and calluses; protecting them from sun exposure is also important.”

Experts suggest using hand cream to moisturise hands at least twice a day and applying sunscreen lotion on the hands and forearms before going out in the sun. They further suggest avoiding harsh products and exposing hands to extreme temperatures.

Wearing gloves while gardening, washing dishes or using cleaning agents is essential to keep hands soft and smooth; they also protect against fungal infection of the nails.

Dr Azam Jah Samdani, Chairperson Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, states, “Special care should be taken particularly by women with dry skin who work in the kitchen. They should wear gloves while cleaning utensils and while cutting acidic vegetables or fruits for instance, lemon, chillies, onions, garlic, etc. Same precautions apply while washing clothes.”

Fungal infections are a constant threat where nails are concerned; these are very contagious and can be transferred through the swimming pool or by using infected nail cutting implements. When getting a manicure, make sure your beautician sterilises all her equipment before using it as this can be a major source of germs. Experts recommend washing hands frequently to keep germs at bay; a mild handwash is enough get rid of bacteria, no need to scrub with anit-bacterial soaps.

Always keep a separate towel for yourself; if in a public place, use the hot air drier or a paper towel. Good circulation helps in keeping hands supple and soft. For this purpose, an effective tip that experts share is to rub your palm over the back of your hand then repeat with the other hand. Dr Masood also suggests mixing lanolin, butter and almond oil in equal proportions and massaging hands with this mixture.

Although it is next to impossible to avoid tapping the keys on the computer keyboard and text messaging on our mobile phones, experts warn that excessive and improper use may cause stress injuries to finger joints.

These tips can aid us in keeping our hands lithe, healthy and beautiful. However, if you notice any change in texture of skin, the appearance of a mole or anything else, it is imperative to consult a good dermatologist and seek early treatment.