In the ongoing battle against the spread of the coronavirus, a crucial defense remains diligent hand washing. However, the frequent washing can cause undesirable effects such as raw, dry, and irritated skin due to the depletion of natural moisture and oils.
So, if you find your hands experiencing these adverse effects due to constant washing, here’s what you can do:
1. Choose the Right Soap:
Opt for hypoallergenic soap that is free from irritants and fragrances. Bar soaps generally contain fewer chemicals compared to liquid ones and have a higher moisture content.
2. Maintain the Right Water Temperature:
Wash your hands in comfortably warm water, not excessively hot. To ensure you wash for at least 20 seconds, sing a familiar song.
3. Proper Hand Washing:
While hand sanitizers are effective, washing with soap and water is preferred, especially after using the restroom, before and after meals. Thoroughly scrub between fingers, including thumbs, under rings, back of hands, and wrists during washing and rinsing.
4. Dry Gently:
After cleansing your hands, be gentle while drying. Rather than rubbing, pat your hands dry. It’s recommended to use cotton or linen towels over paper towels to prevent excessive drying and potential contamination.
5. Moisturize Strategically:
Apply a hypoallergenic lotion or cream after washing and gently rubbing it in, ensuring you reach between fingers and wrists.
6. Consider the Type of Moisturizer:
Lotions have higher water content and tend to evaporate faster, while creams are thicker and absorb slowly. Ointments create a protective layer on the skin to prevent evaporation.
7. Layered Moisturizing:
For extra dry or sensitive skin, try the following routine:
- Apply one or two layers of lotion or cream before bedtime.
- Layer with an ointment, like petroleum jelly.
- Cover hands and wrists with a cotton sock overnight.
8. Skin “Burrito” Method:
For those requiring more intense hydration, Dr. Davis suggests the following regimen:
- Before sleep, wash and pat hands dry.
- Apply two layers of thick hypoallergenic lotion or cream.
- Mix a teaspoon of white vinegar in warm water, soak two clean washcloths, wring them, and wrap around hands.
- Cover with socks.
The vinegar-water soak adds moisture and adjusts pH, while warmth opens pores, facilitating deeper absorption of lotion.
Frequent hand washing can lead to dermatitis flares for sensitive skin individuals or cause newfound sensitivity. Dr. Davis recommends these steps:
1. Layered Moisturizing with Cotton Sock:
- Apply lotion or cream.
- Add an ointment layer.
- Cover hands and wrists with a cotton sock overnight.
2. Skin “Burrito” Method:
- Wash hands before bed.
- Apply multiple layers of hypoallergenic lotion or cream.
- Soak clean washcloths in warm water with white vinegar, wrap around hands.
- Cover with socks.
The warmth, vinegar, and layered moisturizing technique enhance hydration and skin health.
