How Should Those with Eczema Protect Their Hands After Washing Them?

Hürriyet Newspaper – March 30, 2020

It is known that the most important measure to protect from coronavirus is hand washing. However, in people with skin conditions such as eczema; As hands are washed frequently, drying and cracking occurs. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay explained what can be done for this drying and cracking.

In people with skin conditions such as eczema, attention should be paid to the drying and cracking that occurs when hands are washed frequently. But how? Here are the suggestions from the expert…

How can those with eczema protect their skin while washing their hands?

Frequent hand washing can cause flare-ups for people with eczema (atopic dermatitis). People with eczema should take some precautions to prevent flare-ups of eczema on their hands while practicing good hygiene. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA); He explained what should be considered when washing hands to protect those with eczema and other skin conditions from the new coronavirus.

Always use moisturizer after washing your hands.

Using moisturizer immediately after washing our hands will be very effective in protecting the skin barrier of the hands. Washing hands will cause your skin to dry out. It will be beneficial to leave your hands slightly damp, especially after washing your hands, and then to use a moisturizer. In addition, since we will wash our hands frequently, it will be very beneficial for your skin to carry a moisturizer in our pocket and to moisturize after each hand wash.

What should people with eczema pay attention to when choosing soap? Should hand sanitizers also be avoided?

Hand washing with some antiseptics and antibacterial solutions can damage the skin. Therefore; If possible, it would be beneficial to wash your hands for 20 seconds with liquid soaps with a low pH value. After washing our hands, it will be useful to use a moisturizer.

What are the things to consider in order to moisturize the hands properly?

After washing your hands, dry them with a disposable paper towel or tissue. It is best to dry it like dressing without rubbing it with a dry paper towel. Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to cover the entire surface of your hands and fingers, often before your hands are completely dry (that is, while your skin is still slightly damp). Humidifier selection; it can vary greatly depending on the structure of the skin, your preference and daytime use and the performance of daily life activities.

Some people wear disposable gloves and use hand sanitizer on these gloves. Is this a valid and effective way to protect yourself?

When we wear gloves, we may not be sure that we apply hand sanitizers to the entire surface of the glove. Also, if you are allergic to latex, gloves containing latex will damage your hands. We know better if it is in the bare hand. Therefore; Instead of wearing gloves, it will be much more beneficial to wash our hands with soap frequently and then use a moisturizer.

When should a person with eczema see a doctor if their hands are dry and chapped?

Washing our hands frequently with soap can cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups. The most effective way to prevent this is to apply moisturizers. However, if that’s not enough, they may need prescription topical treatment to reduce the inflammation in their eczema. If your eczema is inflamed, it is useful to consult a doctor. Otherwise; Inflamed eczema may worsen when hands are washed, and burning sensations may develop in your hands.

How should patients with eczema protect their skin while cleaning?

People should always wear gloves when using antiseptic wipes and cleaning products. Because when antiseptics come into contact with your skin, they can be very harmful. Therefore, while cleaning; It may be helpful to wear latex-free gloves that do not harm your hands.

Should people with hand eczema carry their own soap and moisturizer with them?

I usually recommend this to patients who are sensitive to different products. However, in this epidemic scenario, there are two more considerations. Firstly; It is important that people clean their hands properly before applying moisturizer to avoid contamination of their products with harmful microbes. Latter; It is important that people also clean and/or sterilize the outside of the containers they use to carry soap and moisturizers with them. Otherwise, there is a risk of harmful microbes being carried on the surfaces of these tubes. Therefore; Carrying soap with us can do more harm than good.

Should patients with eczema wear masks?

Those with eczema may not wear a mask if they do not have complaints such as fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, when they go to places that are risky for coronavirus, such as hospitals, it may be useful to wear a mask.

As a result;

• Hand washing is very important in protection from coronavirus. It will be better for people with eczema to use liquid soap instead of antiseptics.

• Those with eczema should use disposable paper towels after washing their hands, leave their hands slightly damp and use a moisturizer behind them.

• It will be useful to carry a humidifier with you as you will wash your hands frequently.

• It may be harmful to carry hand sanitizer such as soap with you.

• If your eczema has flared up, it would be appropriate to see your doctor for treatment.

•You do not need to wear gloves. But when cleaning at home with antiseptics, you can use latex-free powder-free gloves.

• If there is no cough or fever, you do not need to wear a mask. When you are in risky environments, a mask can be worn.