A carpenter’s hands are his livelihood, so protecting them against damage from dry skin a is imperative. Common sense, a good pair of gloves, and a shielding lotion may be the key to a long career. But even the weekend hobbyist can benefit from basic protective measures when working with carpentry tools.

According to Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration), a carpenter’s hands suffer injury and damage more often than any other part of the body. Exposure to industry-related chemicals and working outside under the hot sun, repetitive motions, and working around dangerous machinery all contribute to the dry damaged skin conditions even the leisure carpenter can suffer.

The greatest protection a carpenter or hobbyist can take to protect his hands is to use the appropriate type of gloves for the appropriate job.

Shielding lotions paired with the right type of glove can help to protect dry, irritated skin against harsh chemicals, such as carpenters glues, cement, sheetrock compound, paint, thinners, and more. Gloves also help against blisters, calluses, and most nicks from tools and splinters. The only time gloves should not be worn is when working around moving machinery.

Stretching exercises can help prevent injury to hands due to repetitive motions, and sharing the load with another can help prevent pulled or torn muscles.

Choosing lightweight tools can help minimize fatigue, injuries and help to improve productivity, and carry only the tools or equipment you will need.

Good housekeeping can prevent injuries. By picking up debris, and scrap wood around the job site when finished for the day, it will be less likely someone steps on a board with an exposed nail, or trips on a piece of lumber.

Don’t try to overextend your reach. Use ladders and scaffold when needed.

If working outdoors, use of cool, lightweight protective clothing and sunscreen can protect from burns, and shielding lotions can keep the skin from drying out. Work during the coolest parts of the day – early in the morning and the late afternoon, and stay hydrated with plenty of electrolytic fluids and water.

Take a break if you need to do so, and if you become faint or dizzy, or seem to be experiencing the effects of heat stroke, call for medical help immediately.

Taking a few extra precautions and regularly using a moisturizing a shielding lotion a can prevent long-term damage of dry skin and make for a productive, healthy career or hobby in carpentry.