Spending more time at home has impacted the way we look after ourselves. The importance of handwashing has also become more crucial over the last year since it is considered a primary defense technique against COVID-19. It is not unknown that the pandemic has changed our lives completely. It has also brought about a significant change in our hand hygiene routines. As soon as we were hit with the pandemic, constant handwashing was reinforced as an effective way to combat the virus. This led us all being consciously aware and washing our hands frequently.
As we indulge in the act of handwashing often we ignore the repercussions of the activity on the skin. A number of people complain about dryness, itchiness and other skin issues due to frequent washing off. As we indulge in handwashing throughout the day, the skin tends to lose moisture, therefore, becoming dry and rough. Handwashing coupled with the use of alcohol based sanitizers frequently can create a havoc on our skin. Although there is no predefined number adequate enough for handwashing, it is important to note that frequent handwashing can have the following effects on our skin, explains Dr. Jaishree Sharad, leading Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist. The specialist shares insights on what happens due to excessive handwashing.
The skin can get dry, itchy and flaky and rashes can appearIt can also cause the skin to get cuts. It damages the lipids of the skinWashing hands with soap water frequently can exacerbate skin conditions for those who suffer from Eczema i.e. Atopic Dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. The harsh chemicals present in soaps make the skin loose its natural moistureSoap that contains Sodium lauryl sulfate, Sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance, Triclosan are ingredients that can really harm the skin, damage the epidermal skin barrier and increase the PH of the skin, causing dryness, peeling and in severe cases eczemaHere are some easy techniques to combat issues that arise due to excessive handwashing:
Moisturize your hands every time you wash your hands to keep the skin soft and one can utilize- a light weight moisturizing cream which gently not only moisturizes but also refreshes the skin. Wash your hands before sleeping and immediately use a deep-moisturizing lotion to give your skin enough time to get moisturized, nourished and repair itself while asleepA mild hand wash or soap and fragrance free hand wash must be utilized Pat dry your wet hands immediately after washing so as to avoid acquiring microorganisms and skin irritationThe skin must also be gently dried with a personal towel or individual paper towels without excessive rubbing of handsUse ceramide based moisturizers, hydroponic acid, vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter based thick moisturizers, Mupirocin cream on cuts and in case it turns into an eczema then consult your dermatologist for medication
Global Handwashing day was celebrated on 15th October to increase awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective way to prevent diseases, even before the pandemic hit us. The theme for this year was ‘Our Future is at Hand – Let’s move forward together’ i.e. as we enter the new normal our future is in our own hands. It is not an unknown fact that World Health Organization (WHO) states that hands are the main pathways of transmitting germs and hence, handwashing is one of the most important routes to avoid the spread of infections. The importance of washing hands was present throughout, however, has gained momentum owing to the pandemic. One must wash and moisturize their hands in order to retain the skin’s nourishment and maintain good hand hygiene.
