Hand Hygiene:
The American Contact Dermatitis Society came out with best practice guidelines for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene has been a major focus for public health and increased awareness. Washing your hands is one of the best interventions to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
To prevent COVID-19 infection, the CDC recommends frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds. If this is not available, hand sanitizer can be used with at least 60% alcohol.
With the increased hand washing, there has been a rapid rise in hand dermatitis in dermatology clinics. My clinic has been no different; I’m seeing more of this every day.
According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, there are several things you can do to prevent hand dermatitis:
- Water temperature does not affect virus removal – so use cold or lukewarm water to avoid skin irritation.
- Use a mild soap that’s made for skin – avoid using dish soaps or other detergents.
- Avoid use of hand sanitizer immediately before or after washing – this is not necessary and increases hand dermatitis.
- Avoid applying gloves while hands are still wet from hand washing or hand sanitizer – this traps irritants onto the skin and worsens irritation.
- Pat your hands dry with a clean towel – do NOT rub.
- Moisturize your hands after hand washing – evenly spread a cream or lotion over the entire hand. Wait 1-3 minutes before resuming activity that requires your hands.
- Avoid fragrances – The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using fragrance-free moisturizers with petrolatum or mineral oil. These are the most effective and least likely to cause allergies.
If you find that the above is not effective at controlling your skin, we’d be happy to see you in clinic for a consultation to better manage your skin!
Gentle Cleansers
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Facial Moisturizers
- Cerave PM Moisturizing Lotion
- Vanicream Lotion
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer
Facial Sunscreens
- Cerave AM Moisturizing Lotion
- Neutrogena Clear Face
Make up
- Almay
- Neutrogena
- IT Cosmetics CC