by
Jessica Pasek
| Apr 27, 2020
Walking into a public restroom and hearing someone singing the “happy birthday” song is more common these days, and that’s because the Centers for Disease Control recommend people wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to thoroughly kill any viruses and bacteria.
While handwashing is the best form of prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also important to keep our hands moisturized to prevent drying and cracking.
“Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer causes a breakdown of the natural skin barrier,” said dermatologist, Riddhi Shah, DO. “Once the protective oils are gone, the skin can’t hold moisture as well.”
Handwashing Practices
Use cool or lukewarm water and soap when washing your hands and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Avoid rinsing with scalding hot water as it can dry out the skin even more. Pat your hands dry while they are still damp, and then apply a moisturizer immediately after. This helps lock in moisture and retain the overall skin barrier.
Soap and Lotion Selection
When purchasing soap and/or moisturizer, look for these ingredients:
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Petroleum
- Mineral oils
“Products with these ingredients still eliminate germs on the skin without stripping it of its natural oils,” said Dr. Shah.
Dr. Shah recommends using lotions and creams typically found in a jar or squeeze tube as these tend to be thicker and provide more moisture. If you struggle with remembering to apply or keep moisturizer on throughout the day, Dr. Shah suggests applying a thick cream or ointment and wearing cotton gloves right before bed.
Treating Painful Cracks
If you don’t make it a habit to moisturize after washing your hands, the skin on your hands may start to crack. Not only is this painful, but it can lead to other problems such as:
- Bacterial infections
- Scarring
- Bleeding
Treatments include using extra moisturizer, mild hydrocortisone creams, and covering the area with liquid bandages.