In connection with the coronavirus pandemic, specialists recommend frequent washing and disinfection of hands, but all these treatments, unfortunately, are very harmful to hands. How to take care of them in this difficult time?
Healthy and well-groomed hands are our best showcase. If the hand skin is kept in good condition, it is an effective protective barrier against all microorganisms, as well as external factors.
Therefore, if we want smooth and healthy-looking hands, we should take care of both their hygiene and proper hydration to maintain its natural protective layer, i.e. the water-lipid coat. Otherwise, the skin will become more sensitive, prone to infections, will age faster and eventually become seriously ill.
How to take care of proper hand hygiene?
The basic WHO recommendation for the time of the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic is: take care of hygiene, wash your hands as often as possible and for an appropriate length of time, i.e. for about 30 seconds. Scientists have shown that this is justified, because after the first 15 seconds of washing, almost 90 percent of the germs present on the hands die. In addition to washing, it is also recommended to disinfect your hands with antibacterial liquids or alcohol-based agents.
Unfortunately, both of these treatments have a very negative effect on our epidermis. Antibacterial gels can be used, but skillfully, because those with a content of over 60 percent. alcohol can macerate the skin through which viruses can penetrate much faster. And it creates a vicious circle.
See how to wash your hands properly >>>
What soap to use?
In order to minimize the risk of irritation and drying of the skin of our hands, it is best to use a neutral soap, i.e. 5.5, which is similar to the pH of our skin. Soaps with moisturizing cream and vegetable oils are also a good choice. Too hot water and rubbing with a rough towel also have a negative effect on our hands.
Read also: how soap kills coronavirus >>>
Which cream to choose?
There are very few sebaceous glands in the skin of the hand, so it is very thin and delicate in this place, and it dehydrates quickly. Each time you wash your hands with soap, the fatty protective coat disappears from the skin. Without it, the hands look dry, become rough, red and chapped, the cuticles peel off and the nails break. Rebuilding the protective layer, unfortunately, takes a long time (even several hours), so it is very important to properly care for your hands immediately after washing or disinfecting them with a special liquid, especially in winter.
What features should a good hand cream have?
The cream should be applied after each hand wash and whenever the skin is dry, so it is worth having it always at hand. Immediately after applying the cream, it is better not to touch anything, just wait until the cream is completely absorbed.
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Home remedies for hand care
There are also home methods to regenerate the skin of the hands.
See recipes for homemade hand creams >>>
People who wear disposable latex gloves for hygiene reasons may develop a latex allergy. Such an allergy is most often manifested by a rash, itchy skin with a burning sensation or soreness, and a warmer skin sensitized to touch. If such a skin reaction occurs, give up latex gloves immediately and choose polyvinyl, vinyl or nitrile gloves instead. And treat your skin to a moisturizing mask at night.
