More hands are being washed than ever - and it is creating a new problem.<\/p>\n
People are being urged to wash hands with soap and use hand sanitiser because of Covid-19, and it is leaving many with dry hands.<\/p>\n
It is particularly an issue for those suffering from eczema.<\/p>\n
That has led to the National Eczema Society (NES) issuing advice, reports the MEN. <\/p>\n
Many eczema sufferers use an emollient to wash with and the society says using the soap substitute is adequate enough to keep hands clean.<\/p>\n
To keep the eczema at bay they should reapply emollient to dry hands and if sanitiser is then added, the emollient should be reapplied once again.<\/p>\n
For adults and children without an eczema diagnosis - but suffering dry and cracked skin as a result of the frequent washing - they should apply moisturiser after washing, followed by sanitiser.<\/p>\n
Finding the moisturiser that's right for your skin type can be tricky, but there are plenty of hand creams to choose from and it's usually a case of trying a few to find one that suits best - so buy a small pot or tube initially to see if it helps.<\/p>\n
The society says it has 'received a number of enquiries about the advice on frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitisers to reduce coronavirus risk, for people with eczema'.<\/p>\n
\"Hand-washing is the best way to reduce transmission of coronavirus, and washing your hands with water and your usual emollient soap substitute should be adequate,\" says the NES.<\/p>\n
\"Emollient helps remove the virus from hands during the washing process, and serves the same cleansing purpose as soap.\"<\/p>\n
It adds: \"When you are out and about, we recommend that you continue to use emollient to wash your hands (decant a small amount into a pump dispenser or pot and refresh daily), and re-apply emollient afterwards.<\/p>\n
\"If you feel you need to use sanitising gel (which may irritate your eczema), apply your usual emollient afterwards to minimise any irritant effect. There is no eczema-friendly hand sanitiser, as they all contain alcohol, which dries out the skin.<\/p>\n
\"In public places where you can't avoid touching surfaces, try not to touch your nose, eyes or mouth (or your child's) because the virus gets in through mucous membranes.\"<\/p>\n
Has yours or your child's eczema flared up because of frequent hand washing? Have you found a product to ease your dry or cracked skin? Let us know in the comments or share with us on our Manchester Family Facebook page.<\/p>\n
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More: More hands are being washed than ever - and it is creating a new problem. Continue reading
\nHand-washing over coronavirus has created a dry skin epidemic - what to do - Coventry Telegraph<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"