Coronavirus (COVID-19)

5 Tips to take care of your hands during this quarantine

Excessive hand washing can dry out the skin and cause damage.

Correct and constant handwashing with soap and water and the use of antibacterial gel based on 70% alcohol is one of the most important and repeated advice to avoid the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), advises the following times as key for handwashing:

Before each meal
After going to the bathroom
After changing diapers
After coughing, sneezing, or picking your nose
After picking up your pet's waste
After touching garbage
After taking care of someone who's sick

Our skin is the largest organ we have in our body and serves as a protective barrier. In its protective function, the skin naturally creates a small layer of fat that keeps it hydrated. Constant hand washing with water, soap and antibacterial gels can drag this layer of fat away and dry out the skin on the hands, causing cracks, fissures, and even wounds, especially in people with a history of sensitive or atopic skin.

Dr. Gretty Peña Castro, a Dermatology Specialist at BlueNetHospitals, recommends these 5 tips to take care of your hands after you wash them during this confinement:

1) Use a soft, moisturizing soap, preferably one that contains oils

2) Keep hands moisturized: After each hand wash, apply a moisturizing cream. Non-greasy creams, for example, those based on glycerin, are absorbed much faster and will not leave you feeling uncomfortable. In the evenings you can use ointments such as Vaseline that are more greasy

3) When washing the dishes, consider using rubber gloves

4) Avoid rubbing or scratching your skin

5) If possible, incorporate a humidifier into your home: hot, dry air can be another dryness factor for your skin, a clean humidifier adds moisture to the atmosphere in your home

Frequent and correct hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of diseases such as Coronavirus (COVID-19). Adopting this habit has always played a very important role in our health; however, nowadays in times of Coronavirus, it is even more important. Please continue following the health recommendations that have been issued by the authorities.