Help for Dry Hands Caused by Coronavirus Handwashing

Whether you’re washing your hands to “Happy Birthday,” “Jolene” or another catchy chorus, you probably have hand hygiene down to a science by now as you do your part to fight the coronavirus. While keeping your hands clean is the best way to fend off viruses, the side effect of all this washing is rough, dry and cracked skin. Here’s how to get some relief.

Why Soap Works

It may seem strange that in this high-tech world the best way to protect yourself- and others - against the coronavirus and other diseases is to wash your hands with simple soap and water. The coronavirus, like the flu and common cold, is a respiratory virus that can be spread by our hands.

If someone who is sick sneezes into their hand instead of a tissue or their elbow, the droplets can stick to their hand. If they touch a door handle, those germs stick there, too. The next person who touches that door handle gets those droplets on their hand. If they touch their hands to their face, there’s a good chance they will contract the virus.

Soap and water don’t just get the virus off your hands; they kill it. Hand sanitizer made from at least 60% alcohol works in a pinch.

Treat Dry Hands

The downside of constant handwashing is that it strips skin of its natural oils. Here are few things that can help.

• Moisturize your hands immediately after washing them. Pat your hands dry, leaving them just a bit damp. Apply a moisturizing cream.
• Use a hand cream versus a hand lotion. Creams tends to be thicker and oil-based.
• Pick a hand cream that’s good for sensitive skin and free of irritants.
• Carry a small tube of hand cream or ointment with you for anytime use.
• Before going to bed, apply hand cream and slip on some glove for extra healing

Remember to give your hands, and yourself, a little TLC during these different times.