Here's what you should do immediately after using sanitizer on your hands.
Washing your hands is an essential way to slow the spread of the coronavirus and other pathogens; however, frequent handwashing can cause dry skin that could flake, itch, crack and even bleed without proper precautions.
The soap and water can zap your skin of its natural oils, leaving your hands dry and chapped. On top of that, open wounds and cracking can make skin an easy access point into the body for germs and bacteria.
Even more, winter is in full swing, bringing with it cold, dry weather that is hard on skin.
AccuWeather interviewed Dr. Carrie Kovarik, an American Academy of Dermatology Associationboard-certified dermatologist, to learn how to combat dry hands amid coronavirus and harsh winter weather.
"Some contributing factors to dry hands include cold/dry weather, frequent handwashing, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, skin conditions such as eczema, and coming in contact with irritants such as cleaning chemicals or bleach," Kovarik, a professor of dermatology and medicine, told AccuWeather.
With these tips from dermatologists, you can continue to wash your hands as needed to fend off COVID-19 and heal dry skin. Here's what the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends:
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in lukewarm water
"The alcohol in hand sanitizers can leave hands dry, but so can frequent washing if you do not use a gentle soap or moisturize after washing. We recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds in lukewarm water," Kovarik said.
However, using the wrong soap and constant scrubbing when washing can irritate the skin barrier, leading to the loss of its natural oils. Many soaps contain ingredients that can trigger dermatitis, eczema or allergies, so it's best to use a fragrance-free soap.
If your hands are already dry, do not wash them less since cracked skin makes it easier for germs to get inside your body. Washing frequently helps prevent illness by removing harmful bacteria and viruses, such as the coronavirus.
"Use soap, and wash every part of your hands, including between your fingers and around your nails. Dry your hands with a clean towel, but leave some water on them," Kovarik said.
Dry your hands with a clean towel; however, leave them a little damp
You can let your hands air dry, but make sure to apply your hand cream or ointment before your hands are completely dry.
"While your hands are slightly damp, apply your hand cream or ointment. Apply hand cream or ointment to your skin, making sure you work some of the moisturizers into your fingertips and nails," Kovarik said.
According to Kovarik, using the correct moisturizer tends to feel less irritating to dry, chapped skin.
Keep your skin hydrated by applying thick hand cream or ointment to your skin, and make sure to moisturize your fingertips and nails
When looking for the right moisturizer, it's important to be mindful of product's ingredients and choose thicker moisturizers over thinner ones.Keep in mind, some products have anti-aging ingredients and fragrances that can irritate children's skin.
It's important to avoid products with fragrance, parabens, preservatives, alcohol and formaldehyde to avoid skin irritation and other health hazards. If your child has dry skin, ointments like petroleum jelly and thick white creams are quite effective at sealing in moisture.
When you use hand sanitizer, apply your hand cream or ointment immediately after the hand sanitizer dries
Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to kill germs, hand sanitizer can be very drying, especially on top of the effects of winter weather.
"Only use hand sanitizer when absolutely necessary," Kovarik said. "When you use hand sanitizer, apply your hand cream or ointment immediately after the hand sanitizer dries," Kovarik said.
If in need of rescue therapy, apply a thick moisturizer or Vaseline onto your hands and cover to leave overnight and heal while you sleep.
"If your hands get really dry and fissured, you can buy a pair of white cotton gloves, generously apply petrolatum on the hands at night, and wear the gloves. In the morning, your hands will feel better," Kovarik said.
Read more from the original source:
Coronavirus and your skin: tips for taking care of your hands - WCNC.com
- Retrospective analysis of 397 DABE | CCID - Dove Medical Press - December 3rd, 2023 [December 3rd, 2023]
- Derm In The News: November 26-December 2 - Dermatology Times - December 3rd, 2023 [December 3rd, 2023]
- When is the Best Time to Try Alternative Treatments for Eczema? - National Eczema Association - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- How Eczema Negatively Impacted the Way She Talked to Herself - National Eczema Association - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Colloidal Oatmeal Effective in Improving Atopic Dermatitis in Black ... - Dermatology Times - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Combination Treatments in HS Require Further Review - Dermatology Times - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Addressing Misconceptions, Concerns Around Biosimilar Use - Dermatology Times - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Native American and Indigenous Communities Face Dermatologic ... - Dermatology Times - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Microwave Therapy Successful for Treating Warts in Children - Dermatology Times - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- 9 Best Antifungal Body Washes Review - The Jerusalem Post - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Patients With Severe Psoriasis Have Higher Risk of Heart Disease ... - AJMC.com Managed Markets Network - September 23rd, 2023 [September 23rd, 2023]
- Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema - Harvard Health - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Experts demand traffic-light labels to show strength of eczema cream - Daily Mail - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Its mosquito season. Here are tips for treating bites, preventing them in the first place - Yahoo News - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- How new EU incentives will help all patients get the best treatments - Euronews - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Consistent Use of Ceramide-Containing Products Combined With ... - Dermatology Times - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- The Best Swimming Skin and Hair Products | livestrong - Livestrong - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- These 13 Household Items Contain Smells That Are Harmful To ... - Rock 92.9 - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- FDA Approves First Pill to Treat Moderate-to-Severe Crohn Disease - HealthDay News - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Feds investigating eczema cream after two Oregon babies found with high levels of lead in blood - OregonLive - January 27th, 2023 [January 27th, 2023]
- Heres how to treat eczema and other skin conditions for cold weather - The Hindu - January 27th, 2023 [January 27th, 2023]
- Atopic eczema - NHS - November 23rd, 2022 [November 23rd, 2022]
- Seborrheic dermatitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - November 23rd, 2022 [November 23rd, 2022]
- Oatmeal skincare is the perfect solution for sensitive skin (+ best products to try) - Lifestyle Asia Singapore - November 23rd, 2022 [November 23rd, 2022]
- Eczema - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- Cold, dry weather can trigger eczema - how to reduce damage to the skin this winter - Express - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- Eczema on lips nhs - kved.erxe.de - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- xrfkc.vitalhaskap.pl - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Atopic eczema and alopecia areata - cyasn.kugel-lernfoerderung.de - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- north shore zipline oahu - owk.tophouse.shop - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- nak stock - vbi.maxense.shop - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Atopic eczema and alopecia areata - zayqif.hydra-market.shop - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- fort worth map with zip codes - prxrzj.rids-gear.shop - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Ear Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments - Healthgrades - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- The Mutha Body Oil Is Worth the Splurge, Especially If You Have Sensitive Skin - POPSUGAR - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Are You Allergic to Your Beauty Products? A Patch Test Might Tell You - Allure - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Stinky sweat turns out to have a surprising health benefit : Goats and Soda - NPR - August 29th, 2022 [August 29th, 2022]
- Makeup for Eczema-Prone Skin: Considerations, Products, and Tips - Healthline - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- Eczema Vaccinatum: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Healthline - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment? - Everyday Health - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- A new 'cure for eczema' pill has been signed off but who is allowed to take it? - Cosmopolitan UK - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- What Causes Dandruff And How To Get Rid Of It, According To A Dermatologist - Fatherly - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- Allergies on the rise due to climate change - BusinessWorld Online - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- Cryotherapy Treatment: Uses and Benefits - newschannelnebraska.com - July 13th, 2022 [July 13th, 2022]
- Mutations of Filaggrin Leading to Eggs & Milk Allergies - Physician's Weekly - June 18th, 2022 [June 18th, 2022]
- How AI & the Pandemic Are Changing the Skin & Hair Clinic Experience - The Quint FIT - June 18th, 2022 [June 18th, 2022]
- How to treat your childs dry skin in winter - Lowvelder - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Topical steroid: Types, uses, side effects and treatment as revealed by doctors - Hindustan Times - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Psoriasis in the Belly Button: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Healthline - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- In his last days, my father asked for Yiddish music - Forward - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Throwing away the water after cooking rice? Know how it could benefit your skin and hair - Times Now - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Family 'devastated and numb' as boy, 9, dies a day after breaking his arm - Coventry Live - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Happy Cappy Not Just For Babies; Everyone With Sensitive Skin Can Benefit - Pediatric Shampoo Granted Trademark in New Campaign: 'No Scalp Left... - June 15th, 2022 [June 15th, 2022]
- Eczema on black skin: Pictures, symptoms, and treatment - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Eczema on the Ears or Eyebrows: How to Cope - Everyday Health - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- What People With Eczema Need to Know About Self-Screening for Skin Cancer - National Eczema Association - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- How to protect children with eczema from scratching until they bleed - Channel NewsAsia - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Autism, allergies and other diseases and disorders afflicted baby boomers, too - PolitiFact - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Is saltwater good for the skin? What to know Beaufort South Carolina The Island News - The Island News - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- What's trending? The most-read stories on APAC beauty market and consumer insights - CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Canada to require a warning be printed on every cigarette - Coventry Live - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Holistic Acne Treatments That Are Better Than What You've Been Doing - The List - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Almirall: Eight out of Ten Patients Maintained Skin Clearance at One Year in Lebrikizumab Atopic Dermatitis Monotherapy Trials - PR Newswire UK - June 7th, 2022 [June 7th, 2022]
- Woman left balding and bedbound by chronic eczema clears the condition with a 9 face cream - The Independent - June 7th, 2022 [June 7th, 2022]
- Poll: Six in 10 people would eat food that has fallen on the floor - Coventry Live - June 7th, 2022 [June 7th, 2022]
- The itch that rashes: Treating and understanding eczema - El Paso Inc. - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Celebrities With Eczema Speak Out - Everyday Health - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Lotion, Cream, Gel, and Ointment Similarly Effective for Childhood Eczema - HealthDay News - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Antibiotics Given Before C-sections Are Not Linked to Asthma, Eczema in Young Children - Pharmacy Times - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Eczema Skin-Care Products Market Size, Scope and Forecast | Alliance Pharma Plc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Bayer AG., AbbVie Inc., Eli Lilly and... - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- What are the benefits of ceramides for the skin? - Medical News Today - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Some Allergies Associated With Lower Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection - Smithsonian Magazine - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- The CDC is sending monkeypox vaccines to people at high risk in a race to prevent the spread - CNBC - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Missing Sikeston teen may be heading to Kansas City area - KMBC Kansas City - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Should you cleanse or exfoliate first? What to know - Medical News Today - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Dry Skin: Eczema, Itchy Skin, Causes, Treatments, Relief, Types - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]
- Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid If You Have Eczema - The Beet - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]
- 3 Women With Eczema Describe the Ways They Combat Nighttime Flare-Ups - Verve Times - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]
- The Challenges of Parenting a Child With Eczema - Verve Times - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]
- Manuka Honey Benefits for Skin: Benefits, Masks, and More - Greatist - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]