Hand-washing over coronavirus has created a dry skin epidemic – what to do – Coventry Telegraph

More hands are being washed than ever - and it is creating a new problem.

People are being urged to wash hands with soap and use hand sanitiser because of Covid-19, and it is leaving many with dry hands.

It is particularly an issue for those suffering from eczema.

That has led to the National Eczema Society (NES) issuing advice, reports the MEN.

Many eczema sufferers use an emollient to wash with and the society says using the soap substitute is adequate enough to keep hands clean.

To keep the eczema at bay they should reapply emollient to dry hands and if sanitiser is then added, the emollient should be reapplied once again.

For adults and children without an eczema diagnosis - but suffering dry and cracked skin as a result of the frequent washing - they should apply moisturiser after washing, followed by sanitiser.

Finding the moisturiser that's right for your skin type can be tricky, but there are plenty of hand creams to choose from and it's usually a case of trying a few to find one that suits best - so buy a small pot or tube initially to see if it helps.

The society says it has 'received a number of enquiries about the advice on frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitisers to reduce coronavirus risk, for people with eczema'.

"Hand-washing is the best way to reduce transmission of coronavirus, and washing your hands with water and your usual emollient soap substitute should be adequate," says the NES.

"Emollient helps remove the virus from hands during the washing process, and serves the same cleansing purpose as soap."

It adds: "When you are out and about, we recommend that you continue to use emollient to wash your hands (decant a small amount into a pump dispenser or pot and refresh daily), and re-apply emollient afterwards.

"If you feel you need to use sanitising gel (which may irritate your eczema), apply your usual emollient afterwards to minimise any irritant effect. There is no eczema-friendly hand sanitiser, as they all contain alcohol, which dries out the skin.

"In public places where you can't avoid touching surfaces, try not to touch your nose, eyes or mouth (or your child's) because the virus gets in through mucous membranes."

Has yours or your child's eczema flared up because of frequent hand washing? Have you found a product to ease your dry or cracked skin? Let us know in the comments or share with us on our Manchester Family Facebook page.

More:
Hand-washing over coronavirus has created a dry skin epidemic - what to do - Coventry Telegraph