Hand washing with soap or disinfectants is the most common thing we do these times, as a key measure to protect against Covid 19.
And as we try to fight the virus, we damage our skin. There are not few who have serious skin damage, not only annoying but also painful cracks.
Dermatologist Irena Savo gives advice on how to do your hands clean.
â?? Often this drying progresses so much that it also creates skin cracks, which can very well become a gateway for bacteria or viruses or mycotic infections. Hand washing is sufficient, it is not necessary to do these two processes, both water washing and disinfectant use afterwards. Hot water is very harmful to the skin. It creates a greater dryness and more easily breaks down the skin's protective barrier . â?
Savo medicine recommends using hot or cold water instead of hot water.
â??I recommend using lukewarm or cold water. After washing, the skin rests on the towel in order to absorb moisture, unless it is rubbed sharply which can cause trauma to the hands. It is important to moisturize your hands immediately with creams or ointments, â?says Irena Savo.
But what is healthier, washing your hands with water or cleaning with disinfectants?
â??I definitely recommend washing if possible, so it is better to have running water for those who can. Let those who are on the move use disinfectants. â?
Using plastic gloves can also be a problem for the skin.
"When wearing gloves for hours, such as marketers, gloves also create sweating and moisture is an additional factor that aggravates dermatitis, or can sometimes become a source of mold," says the dermatologist.
We also clean our home more by adding variety or quantity of detergents with mainly chlorine content.
"Using strong detergents, their vapors can damage the oral mucosa, nasal mucosa, facial skin, etc." Even in this case, I recommend using moisturizing creams after washing, "said doctor Irena Savo.
The pandemic is among us. We don't see the virus, so we have to keep fighting it wherever it is thought to be. Frequent hand washing should not be diminished, but these tips should be kept in mind.
Doctor's advice:
1. Wash your hands more with water than with disinfectants
2. Do not use disinfectants after washing them with water
3. Do not wash your hands with too hot water
4. After washing, towel dry without rubbing them
5. Apply with a softening cream after every wash or disinfectant use.
