Coronavirus Prevention & Eczema: How to Take Care of Your Hands When You’re Washing Them So Much
Since the Coronavirus pandemic had begun sweeping the globe, we were all informed to wash our hands more regularly. Frequent handwashing can remove the unwanted viral germs, therefore helping slow the spread. The World Health Organization suggests that individuals wash their hands for at least 20 seconds for it to be effective.
Although frequent hand washing is crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, it’s potentially harmful to the skin. That is especially the case for those who suffer from conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Excessive washing of one’s hands can lead to soreness, drying, and cracking. It can even happen to people without any skin conditions. Here is what Dr. Muniandi, aesthetic clinic in Johor Bahru wants you to know about frequent washing and sanitizing.
Why Does This Happen?
Frequent washing and sanitizing can strip the epidermis (top skin layer) of vital proteins and oils that help create a protective barrier for the skin. The damage to this barrier can lead to infection.
There is also a condition called hand dermatitis. The skin condition can leave an individual’s hands feeling dry, flakey, and itchy. They will also have a red appearance. Some hand soaps are extremely irritating to the skin and can cause this condition to occur.
It should be stated, hand sanitizers that don’t remove dirt and debris and only remove microbes can be less damaging to the skin.
How to Properly Care for Your Hands
As an experienced Skin and Aesthetic Physician in JB, Dr. Muniandi has a couple of recommendations for proper hand care. Try out these tips to prevent your hands from irritation.
A beneficial hand washing routine should go as follows.
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds using a fragrance-free soap.
- Moisturize using a hand cream free of irritants.
- Sanitize your hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Moisturize again.
Be aware; moisturizing can compromise anti-microbial properties. Although, it will help prevent irritation of the hands. It is also ideal to pat your hands dry and leave them a little damp before moisturizing them. That will help lock in the water.
If you are especially prone to skin cracking and dryness, you can also try applying Vaseline to your hands and putting gloves on. Dr. Muniandi also recommends a humidifier to help keep the air and your skin moist. It is also beneficial to apply heavy moisturizing creams to the hands when preparing to go to bed. Nighttime allows for you to give your skin a break.
Dr. Muniandi has people in his personal life who suffer from eczema. He maintains the sentiment that people with chronic skin conditions that cause dryness should take steps to prevent it. With this in mind, she recommends that people handle harsh cleaning products, including Clorox wipes, while wearing gloves.
Further Skin Care
If you or someone you know is experiencing a skin condition consider visiting a skin clinic. We have a skin clinic in Johor Bahru. A professional can help find the perfect skincare routine for you.
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