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In the weeks since news of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic has intensified, the phrase "wash your hands" has quickly become a common refrain. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has advised Americans to wash their hands "often," using soap and water and counting at least 20 seconds each time. The good news is that dermatologists say their patients are following these guidelines and washing their hands many times per day — the reason they can tell is that those patients are making appointments to address itchy, red, irritated hands.
"I am seeing more patients coming in recently with rashes on the hands from over-washing," Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital, tells Allure. As a result of the constant exposure to oil-stripping soap and warm water, eczema and dermatitis rashes are on the rise. "It is important to treat these rashes because, in addition to being itchy, inflamed, or raw, the skin is at risk for developing an infection," he says.
Even in the best of times, dermatologists see a rise in hand irritation during the colder months. "Most winters, we are washing our hands often to prevent infections, including the cold and flu, but this year with coronavirus, there is a combination of even more frequent handwashing and the constant use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers," says Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. "The excessive washing strips the skin of healthy fats and oils known as sebum, and that dehydrates the skin and causes eczema."
Dry skin is caused by an impaired skin barrier and dysfunction or deficiency in the necessary healthy fats in the top layer of the skin, says Marchbein. That protective layer is "essential to normal skin function," which means skin will grow irritated if the barrier is disturbed.
"Those with extremely dry skin from over-washing, under-moisturizing, or genetic predisposition can develop eczema," she says. "Since the protective lipid layer is responsible for keeping moisture in and bacteria and irritants out, dry skin often presents with redness, flaking, itching, and even painful cracks that can leave us susceptible to infections. Any break in the skin can do this."
Of course, dry skin is a small price to pay for a crucial health and safety measure. Dermatologists themselves wash their hands dozens of times each day. Marchbein, for example, estimates that she washes her hands a minimum of 70 times each day when seeing patients.
If you'd like to curb dryness and eczema in addition to practicing good hygiene, Zeichner suggests moisturizing hands throughout the day. "I stick to a petrolatum-based moisturizer to form a protective, but breathable seal over the skin. I'm using Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion because it is easy to spread and does not leave the skin feeling greasy," he says.
Marchbein also recommends La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream for its soothing oatmeal and niacinamide formula and Vanicream for a hypoallergenic hydrator. (Check out Allure's top 23 hand cream picks.)
If you develop a rash that doesn't improve over time, consult your dermatologist.
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More on COVID-19:
- Sephora Is Canceling All In-Store Services as a Coronavirus Precautionary Measure
- Surgical Masks Won't Protect You Against the Coronavirus
- Glossier Announces the Temporary Closure of Its Stores Amid Coronavirus Concerns
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