Learning About Ways to Desensitize Your Hands

Hand desensitization is a way to help make hands that have discomfort or pain when touched (hypersensitivity) feel better. Hypersensitivity can happen after an injury or surgery to a hand or finger. Exposing the hand to different textures over time helps it get used to normal touch again.

We use our hands to do so many things every day. Hypersensitivity interferes with daily tasks that involve holding, touching, pressing, and squeezing things.

Using techniques to desensitize your hands can slowly make your hands less sensitive so you can do everyday things with less discomfort. It’s like retraining your brain and nerves to sense normal touch again.

Do the techniques below in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. Start with the level that gives you the least discomfort. When you start to feel comfortable with it, move on to the next level.

Try to do 3 or 4 sessions every day. Each session should last about 10 minutes.

1. With your other hand, put some massage lotion near the sensitive area.
2. Slowly massage closer to your sensitive area.

1. Gather some items with different textures. Choose items that cause a range of irritation. Some examples are:
   • Cotton balls.
   • Velvet.
   • A towel.
   • Hook-and-loop fasteners.
   • Sandpaper.
2. Start with the texture that gives you the least discomfort. Gently rub your skin near your sensitive area. Get as close to it as you can.
3. Rub the area until your skin isn’t sensitive to that texture anymore.
4. Move on to the next texture level and repeat.

1. Fill bowls with objects to touch. Some examples are:
   • Sand.
   • Uncooked rice.
   • Dry beans.
   • Popcorn kernels.
   • Dry macaroni.
   • Pebbles.
2. Starting with the objects that give you the least discomfort, place your hand in the bowl.
3. Open, close, and stir the objects in the bowl with your hand.
4. When your hand is comfortable, move on to the next bowl of objects and repeat.

1. Find a household device that vibrates lightly when turned on. This can be something like an electric toothbrush or an electric razor.
2. Place the device close to your sensitive area. Turn it on and massage with light pressure.
3. When you’re comfortable, move the device closer to your sensitive area and press a little harder.

Talk to your doctor about using contrast baths as another technique to help with hand desensitization.

Be patient. It may take weeks or months for the hypersensitivity to go down to a level where you can use your hand for daily tasks.

Contact your doctor or physical therapist if your discomfort or pain doesn’t improve or gets worse.