Put Your Best Hand Forward

We have all heard the expression “Put your best foot forward.” People rarely form impressions about our age and health by looking at our feet because they usually are covered by shoes. Our hands, however, are always on public display—greeting others, making gestures, typing, dining, caressing—and people observe our hands nearly as often as our face when gauging our appearance. Nevertheless, the face seems to get more cosmetic attention than the hands, which usually are treated simply with lotions and nail polish. It is time for dermatologists to elevate their promotion of cosmetic treatment of the hands so patients can put their best hand forward.