Preventing Dermatitis

In the past week the world as we know it has changed radically. We are in the middle of a pandemic and being told to shelter in place.

The stores are out of cleaning wipes and Purell is working double time to get us more hand sanitizer. We now know that diligent hand washing or hand sanitizing is extremely important. But what are we doing to our skin? How should we treat our hands to avoid taking a toll from the constant cleaning?

Here’s the problem. Over-washing and over-sanitizing your hands can cause dryness and irritation, and lead to dermatitis. Tiny cracks in the skin can form, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Viruses can enter the skin through these tiny tears in the skin caused by over-washing and scrubbing the skin.

Frequent use of hand sanitizer that kills coronavirus also strips away the oils that give natural moisture to your skin. To combat this, use a hand sanitizer that contains aloe or vitamin E, which is soothing and less drying.

Be gentle. When washing your hands use warm, not hot water. Also, use a gentle, unscented soap to prevent irritation. It is also a good idea, when using hand sanitizer, to wash off the residue occasionally with soap and water.

Don’t forget to moisturize. It is important to use moisturizer on your hands after washing them. Moisturizer can act a barrier between your skin and viruses. Select a rich, fragrance-free cream.

Just follow these simple steps for healthy hands!