Kalyo sa Kamay? 7 Surprising Culprits Behind Rough Skin

Rough skin on your hands, including kalyo sa kamay, arms, and elbows, can develop over time due to various factors. Some of these causes can be surprisingly sneaky — you don’t even know you’re doing them! Read on to find out the causes of rough skin and what you can do to stop them.

Are you a domesticated bro who does his part at home, a.k.a. washing the dishes, doing the laundry, and scrubbing the floors? Good on you! However, this can wreak havoc on your skin. Handling cleaning agents and detergents without protection can lead to rough skin, such as kalyo sa kamay. Wear rubber gloves when you do chores to protect your skin.

Working from home has plenty of side effects, including back pain, weight gain, and rough forearms and elbows. The latter can occur as you regularly press your arms and elbows on tabletops or armrests. Try alternating between a regular desk and a standing desk to give your skin a rest.

Dry skin is most susceptible to wounds from friction and tension. Something as simple as putting your hands in your jean pockets can cause calluses. Frequent handwashing, which happens to be essential, can also make things worse. The good news is this is nothing a good moisturizer can’t handle. If you feel uncomfortable applying lotion, use a moisturizing body wash such as Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Wash. This can add essential moisture to your skin to prevent rough patches.

Sunscreen is your skin’s ultimate protection against dryness and roughness. Not only do the sun’s ultraviolet rays dehydrate the skin, they can also accelerate signs of aging. Driving, for example, leaves your hands vulnerable to UV rays since they can penetrate glass. Apply sunscreen on your arms, hands, and other exposed areas when you’re going to be driving during the daytime.

Lifting weights is great for your body and health, but the repeated motion of handling the equipment can give you calluses. The dry friction and pressure between the weights and your skin can lead to rough and hard skin over time. That’s just how your skin adapts to the process. Wear hand grips to prevent wounds and calluses on your palms.

Regular skin exfoliation helps keep the skin smooth by encouraging the turnover of dead cells. These can accumulate on the outermost layer of the skin, causing roughness and dullness. Using an exfoliating body wash or scrubbing with a loofah can give your skin the nudge it needs.

Sometimes, there’s just not much you can do about it. Dry and rough skin is a normal part of aging, which begins at 40 or sooner if you don’t use sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using moisturizing products and SPF to keep your skin healthy and soft.

Avoiding the above habits and embracing a good skincare routine for your hands can help prevent issues such as kalyo sa kamay.