Here are some tips to healing your hands from excessive handwashing
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Frequent handwashing, while necessary as protection from the coronavirus that causes covid-19, can lead to dry skin and irritation.
“I’ve been noticing it myself,” said Dr. Laura Ferris, a UPMC dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh.
It’s especially a problem for people who work in health care or other fields where people are washing their hands dozens of times each day, she said.
The solution, Ferris said, is to keep it simple.
“You don’t need to use the harshest antibacterial soap,” Ferris said.
The act of handwashing is the important part, she said.
The less time someone spends exposed to others, the less they need to wash their hands, Ferris said.
“It’s an argument for social distancing,” Ferris said. “Focus on better social distancing so you’re not washing your hands 25 times a day.”
To curb irritation, use a simple moisturizer. The less scents and other additives the better, Ferris said. Even basic petroleum jelly will work.
Coat hands before going to bed to allow the skin to heal overnight, she said.
For those with skin conditions like eczema that become more irritated, call a doctor. Ferris cautioned against an office visit. She advised seeking a prescription for relief.
“It’s definitely a real concern,” she said of the irritation caused by excessive washing. “People are complaining about this. I am.”