What to Do About Ugly Hands or Feet

It’s too bad gloves went out of style in the 1960’s.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking your socks off in front of people, or if you feel embarrassed when someone asks to see your ring, know you are not alone. Ugly hands and feet can test the confidence of anyone. We have the technology to hide facial blemishes, contour our profiles and dress for our body type… But sometimes it seems there are few options to fix unattractive hands or feet.

Maybe not. Learn more about what you can do to help beautify your extremities.

Causes of Ugly Hands and Feet

Sun exposure adds up over time.

Even when you take care of your hands and feet, issues that cause unsightly problems with nails, dry skin, bunions and other issues pop up. For some people, the daily punishment at the workplace, the gym or home take a toll on the hands and feet.

Other people simply have the type of skin that’s very sensitive to imbalances in the environment. For example, a lack of humidity can result in skin that’s so dry it cracks, causing pain on the fingers and around the knuckles.

And of course, the sun is a huge culprit in causing damage to the skin. Consider how many hours you’ve spent driving, riding bicycles and being outside with your hands exposed to the sun.

Thankfully, you can take action to mitigate the damage that’s been done to your hands and feet.

Prevent Ugly Hands and Feet with Basic Care

There are some simple, daily steps you can take to help the appearance of your hands and feet. We all know how important it is to wash our hands thoroughly to help avoid illness. But frequent washing can dry the skin, especially when using harsh soaps with ingredients that cause desiccation. Add in a dry climate or cold winters and skin can become cracked, sore and old looking. One way to fix old-looking hands is to apply moisturizer regularly—once a day or even after each hand-washing, if necessary. The moisturizer will keep the skin hydrated and more supple looking while reducing the effects of dryness.

Feet also benefit from daily care. Washing them every day will help remove any buildup of dead skin or bacteria, which can prevent fungal outbreaks. After washing, be sure to dry your feet completely, especially between the toes. Dampness around the toes can create a breeding ground for fungal growths. If the skin on your feet is dry and prone to cracking, consider applying moisturizer here as well, always taking care to work the lotion in thoroughly.

A quick massage is another way to boost the appearance of ugly hands and feet. Massaging hands or feet increases blood circulation throughout the appendage. Not only will the massage help you feel more relaxed, but also it will help your hands and feet feel rejuvenated.

As you take care of your hands and feet each day, monitor for any changes such as the development of sores, fungus or an excess of dead skin. These are indicators of problems that may just be starting to manifest. If a change occurs, see a medical doctor for treatment.

Nail Care

Professional manicures and pedicures can keep your fingers and toes looking fabulous. But the benefits of these procedures extend beyond the aesthetic appeal of polished nails. Estheticians and cosmetologists are trained in the best methods of trimming, cleaning and fixing your cuticles and nails. This knowledge can prevent hangnails or other issues like ingrown toenails.

Advanced Care

Sometimes, moisturizers, massages and manicures aren’t enough to fix old-looking hands and feet. If this is true for you, consider seeking the services of a medical esthetician, who may apply a variety of solutions to solve your issue. A medical esthetician can treat some of these conditions:

Liver Spots and Blemishes

As humans age, blemishes and discolorations in the skin tend to increase. In some cases, these spots are a result of injury to the epidermis such as from minor cuts or pimples. In other cases, aging and sun exposure cause areas of intensified pigmentation, often referred to as age spots or liver spots. These spots can make skin appear older and not as attractive.

There are skin treatments that help to remove unwanted pigmentation, regardless of the source. Depending on the type of blemish you want removed, a laser technique or another type of pulsed light solution could be effective. Clinics may also apply chemical peels or use microdermabrasion to lighten the appearance of the spot or remove it.

Veins and Arteries

For some people the veins and arteries in their hands and feet are quite prominent and create a greenish or purplish discolouration. Vascular and circulatory problems can create stress on the extremities—especially the legs and feet—making blood vessels stick out. Age, prolonged periods of sitting and standing as well as lack of exercise are other factors that can enlarge blood vessels.

To alter these conditions and reduce the size of the large vessels, you could consider undergoing varicose vein or spider vein treatment. Consult with a medical doctor to determine if these treatments are suitable for you.

Hair Removal

As your body ages, hair may start to encroach on areas of your hands and feet that you never expected, giving you a weird layer of fuzz that stands out. Perhaps the hair previous occupying this area was a lighter shade and now has shifted to a darker hue. Either way, this type of hair can easily make your hands and feet appear ugly.

Thankfully, hair removal solutions are available to get rid of this unwanted hair – in some cases, permanently. Laser and pulsed light technology have improved to the point where the procedure takes less than an hour to finish, with no significant recovery.

Dermal Fillers

The aging process can cause the loss of dermal volume as natural fat deposits disappear and skin starts to sag. Many people notice this on their faces, but the skin on your hands and feet can experience the loss of dermal volume. As a result, the skin loses tautness and appears slightly wrinkled, which can make your hands and feet look old.
One of the easiest and quickest methods of fixing old-looking hands and feet is the use of dermal fillers. These injections help restore the lost volume in your hands and feet. With treatment, hands and feet may look at least a decade younger.

There are options for you.

Beauty Doctors Have Your Aesthetic Cure

If you are considering plastic surgery, don’t trust just anybody. It’s worth your while to visit a specialist with plenty of experience when seeking to improve the appearance of your hands and feet.

Dr. Kenneth Dickie offers patients a personable approach to cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical procedures. We proudly offer plastic surgery services to Barrie, Collingwood, Sudbury, Orillia, Huntsville, Bracebridge, and surrounding areas.

Fill out the form on the right to schedule a personal consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Dickie, or call us at 1-855-726-2800 to learn more.