On the milder end, you might feel like the skin on your hands is red, dry, tight, or a little itchy. Are there other treatments besides hands creams that people should consider? You can try a hand sanitizer with a moisturizing base, just know that it will not be as effective in killing viruses. But there's one step we all tend to forget after washing our hands or applying hand sanitizer – that critical layer of hand cream. So as long as you have a little time to let the lotion dry before you touch anything dirty or communal (it's literally just seconds), this shouldn't be a concern. Ad Choices, How to Heal Dry, Cracked Hands From Washing Your Hands So Damn Much. Not only can they exacerbate dry skin, but they can also cause serious irritation and contact dermatitis. Washing the hands all the time and over sanitising our hands to maintain hygiene in Coronavirus times had made our hands dry and rough. Once your hands are dry, apply a moisturizer immediately. Rub your hands together. Creams and ointments are better than lotions. The best way to avoid coronavirus (COVID-19), flu, and colds is by washing your hands, and these moisturizing picks will prevent your skin from drying out. Dry hands may seem like a small price to pay for public health in the present time, but there are some preventive measures you can follow to combat dry skin. When you wash your hands, use warm water and a gentle soap, like castile soap. After washing, apply a lotion to help seal in the moisture. The outermost layer of our skin is composed of oils and wax, and it acts as both a shield from the outside and a guard that maintains natural moisture in the skin. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Products like these are especially good at sealing moisture in the skin. Although our understanding of how the new coronavirus spreads and how to protect ourselves from it is still developing, regularly washing your hands with soap and water (especially before touching your face and before/after eating) is one of a few tried-and-true public health strategies the CDC is recommending right now to prevent the spread of this particular virus. Dermatologists regularly see hand dermatitis - red, rashy, itchy, flaky, or dry hands - in healthcare and restaurant workers, who must cleanse their hands numerous times daily. The outer protective layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, helps seal hydration into the skin. But, as Philip M. Tierno, Ph.D., clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF, that shouldn’t be a worry. One thing that’s crystal clear, however, is the impact of hand washing so often: dry skin and cracks! © 2021 Condé Nast. You might also notice that your skin is red or, if you have darker skin, it may appear grey. But on the more severe end, you can experience a lot of irritation, intense itchiness, and even cracks in the skin, which can actually increase your risk for infection. Wash with warm, not hot water, for at least 20 seconds, patting your hands dry with a towel. In addition to moisturizing, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your hands with lukewarm water, and to avoid over-drying … Plus, using hot water is an easy way to dry out your skin even more, Dr. Marchbein says. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Of course, dry skin is a small price to pay for a crucial health and safety measure. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. With news of more and more possible cases of the new coronavirus in the U.S., now is the time to get your handwashing game on point.