handrubs, particularly those that contain an emollient, are less drying to your skin than plain soap and water, or antimicrobial soap and water.
One of the key elements in improving hand-hygiene practice is the use of an alcohol-based hand rub instead of washing with soap and water. An alcohol-based hand rub requires less time, is microbiologically more effective, and is less irritating to skin than traditional hand washing with soap and water.
ABHS is less irritating and drying to skin than soap and water. Use ABHS in most clinical situations. Lotions and creams can prevent and decrease skin dryness that happens from cleaning your hands.
The best technique, particularly if you're someone with skin that is prone to drying, is to wash your hands and then shake most of the water off rather than drying them completely. While your hands are still moist, apply your moisturizer of choice to lock in moisture.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Alcohol hand rubs should do less damage than harsh soaps because they contain emollients, says Professor Gould. Most hospitals provide alcohol hand gels and typically 70% of these gels contain emollients, while some organisations still use chlorhexidine, an antiseptic and disinfectant, she says.
From a hygiene viewpoint, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers. Drying hands thoroughly with single-use, disposable paper towels is the preferred mothod of hand drying in health care.
To help your dry and cracked skin heal, also consider an extra nighttime treatment. Apply a thick moisturizer or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your hands before bed. Then put a pair of cloth gloves, or even a pair of clean socks, on your hands. This allows the moisturizer to work as you sleep.
Causes of dry hands
Repeated washing – particularly with liquid soaps and high-in-alcohol hand sanitisers – can strip the hands of their natural oils, leaving them dry and rough. Liquid soap usually contains chemical detergents which are notorious skin irritants.
Hands can only be fully cleansed of germs and bacteria by being thoroughly dried after washing. “Damp hands can spread 1,000 times more bacteria than dry hands,” Heather Viola, DO, a primary care physician at Mount Sinai Doctors Ansonia, a New York City healthcare practice, tells Consumer Reports.
Cloth Towel: A cloth towel can be a good option, provided it is clean and dry. Regular washing of the towel is necessary to maintain hygiene, as wet cloth can harbor bacteria. Paper Towel: This is often considered the most hygienic option for drying hands.
However, repeated hand washing and the use of sanitisers have both been linked with marked skin dryness and contact dermatitis.
Alcohol-based handrubs provide several advantages over hand washing with soap and water: require less time than hand washing. act quickly to kill microorganisms on hands. more effective than hand washing with soap and water.
handrubs, particularly those that contain an emollient, are less drying to your skin than plain soap and water, or antimicrobial soap and water.
Kopelman recommends Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Wash, which can be used on the hands and body, because it's gentle and contains soothing oatmeal, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It's also sulfate-free, and you get 33 ounces in one bottle, so it's a good value.
Applying a small amount of shea butter to your hands after washing can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and irritation. So, after you wash and gently but thoroughly dry your hands, follow up with a layer of shea butter.
Exfoliation can help remove dead, dry, and damaged skin. Use over the counter exfoliants or create your own by combining olive oil and granulated sugar or coffee, to help remove unwanted dead skin cells. Do not forget to use a hand cream after exfoliation to help the new skin cells stay hydrated and soft.
If you have a lot of cracks in the skin on your hands or have dry chapped hands, be careful about how often you use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can further dry out your skin. When given a choice, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to wash your hands.
Avoid hot water
Try to turn down the temperature while washing your hands and even showering to avoid your hands feeling dry or irritated. “Hot water can wash away healthy skin oils,” Dr Piliang reiterates. Remember to do this when you're doing other hygiene-related chores like washing the dishes.
Best hand cream for very dry hands
Of all the brands that make lanolin-infused products, Lano is probably the most ubiquitous. Its 101 Ointment is a staple for people with extremely dry skin, so it stands to reason that it makes a solid hand cream too.
Unless there is visible bodily fluid, dirt, oil, or grease on your hands, sanitizers are usually the better choice. Why? Compared to soap and water, alcohol-based sanitizers remove fewer natural protective oils and cause less drying and damage.
The fastest, most hygienic hand dryer is the Dyson Airblade™. The hand dryer filters the air before it reaches the hands. In just 10 seconds the water is removed from your hands by a 'blade of air'. Furthermore, the Airblade™ hand dryer is cheaper than conventional hand dryers.
Good hand hygiene—washing hands or using a hand sanitizing gel—is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs.