Posted by Concerned that your hands are getting too dry during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
While frequent cleansing with soap or sanitizers are means of preventing
catching or transmitting the coronavirus, they can also dry and damage the skin of your hands. All of that
scrubbing can actually break the protective layer of the skin and this can be the entry point for bacteria, fungi and other germs. Dryness also increases your risk for skin irritation, which can lead to excoriations and bleeding.
To prevent your hands from drying out during this pandemic, here are a few things that you can do.
Frequently apply a moisturizer preferably after every wash
Your clean and well moisturized hands are your warriors to fight injury and infection during the pandemic.
After washing your hands with soap, dry them with a clean towel . Then, apply the moisturizer generously all around your hands, fingers, and nails. Use a fragrance-free and dry-free hand cream or ointment that contains mineral oil or petroleum, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Keep your hands away from skin irritants
Common skin irritants that you should avoid include:
- Wool
- Synthetic fabrics
- Scented laundry detergents
- Disinfectants and cleaning agents
- Heat
- Latex
- Perfumes
Use gloves when cleaning and disinfecting your home, while doing the laundry or washing
dishes.
Keep your fingernails short
Well-trimmed fingernails are hygienic and aesthetically pleasing. They are unlikely to form hangnails or to collect dirt, bacteria and other germs. Very Long nails, on the other hand, are prone to chipping and peeling; they may cause excoriations and skin tears when used to scratch the body.
Refrain from frequent cleansing of your hands with alcohol and alcohol based sanitizers
Alcohol and alcohol-based sanitizers can exacerbate the dryness of your hands. To overcome that, use a gentle and fragrance-free soap until the dryness improves or your skin irritation heals. Remember to apply a moisturizer as often as possible.
Consult your medical provider about treatment options for severe dryness and breakouts
If the dryness and irritation do not improve with skin moisturizer, and your skin remains
dry and irritated, consultation with a skin specialist or dermatologist may be indicated. See disclaimer. Your skin
specialist will determine if the dryness and breakouts are due to eczema,
fungal dermatitis or other skin conditions, and may consequently treat you with some special
lotion, cream or other medications.
I hope this helps!
Marie-Ange Tardieu,
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