Even with Excessive Hand Washing, You Can Keep Your Skin Healthy

People with skin conditions such a eczema and psoriasis as well as those with very dry skin may be exacerbating the problem with the excessive hand washing and hand sanitizers we are using to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.  To provide some relief, the Medical News Today provides useful information from several experts including Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, on how to avoid or treat some of these issues.  

Dr. Laftah starts by explaining that, “Repetitive use of hand sanitizers and hand washing can strip the proteins in the epidermis (top skin layer), leading to a compromise of the skin barrier and, therefore, the risk of infection. Additionally, soaps can give rise to irritant hand dermatitis, which presents as dry, flaky, itchy red skin, particularly in the finger web spaces and on the knuckles.” 

For those with preexisting skin conditions, she recommends using a moisturizer daily and to try a moisturizing hand soap with antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or benzalkronium chloride.  However please know that recent studies have found “hand sanitizers containing these biocidal ingredients were less effective than alcohol-based hand gels at eradicating the coronavirus.”
In addition to moisturizing or applying emollients repeatedly throughout the day, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly every time you wash them.  This helps prevent germs from transferring between moist hands as well as reduces the drying effect water has on our skin’s natural oils.  Dr. Laftah adds that “moisturizer that lathers can act as a soap substitute and will be less drying on the hands; therefore, those with cracked skin may find this more soothing.”

Other tips include moisturizing right before bed and then putting on cotton gloves to help lock in moisture.  Also when using cleaning products or if your hands will be in water for a period of time such as washing dishes, wear latex or rubber gloves.

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Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hand-washing-advice-for-people-with-skin-conditions#Immunosuppressants