How do you prevent dry hands and the spread of the virus at the same time? Diligent hand washing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can help stop the spread of COVID-19. But it also can lead to dry hands.
“Soap and water not only rinse away germs, but also strip the skin of natural oils, causing it to dry out,” says Dr. Brodsky. “This can cause dry skin and for some dermatitis, a skin irritation that looks red, swollen and dry. Hand hygiene is extremely important during the COVID-19 outbreak and there are steps you can take to prevent skin irritation.”
Taking preventive measures can help alleviate dryness. Here are three tips to follow:
- Wash your hands in lukewarm water using soap, for at least 20 seconds. Hot water can damage your skin. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- When drying your hands, remember to use a towel or paper towel versus an air dryer, and dry under your rings.
- Use a hand cream to moisturize after applying hand sanitizer or washing your hands. A lotion has more water than oil and a cream has more oil than water, therefore cream is a better way to moisturize.
If you develop cracked, swollen, or itchy skin, you may need advice from a dermatologist and prescription strength topicals.
Watch: Uniting to save lives
Early data has shown so far that African Americans are at higher risk of death from COVID-19. The virus doesn’t discriminate, so how can this be? Some leading Advocate Aurora Health experts and local community leaders in Chicago and Milwaukee share advice and important information on how we all must take steps to do our part to slow the spread of the virus.
Dr. Tony Hampton, a family medicine physician with Advocate Medical Group, explains the racial disparity, and shares preventative steps and tips on how to keep healthy while at home.
“We need to make sure we are eating real foods, avoiding processed foods, and exercise 3-4 days a week with enough time to recover. These are just a few of the ways to help strengthen our immune systems,” he says.
Dr. Kern Reid, physician and Medical Director at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, encourages everyone to do their part. “It’s important for us to be responsible for our own health, but at the same time, it’s important to recognize the welfare of those around us in the community and those we care for at home.”
“Let’s stay at home when matters are not essential, let’s stay at home and live,” says Bishop Simon Gordon, Senior Pastor of Triedstone Church of Chicago.
And Kim Murphy, FOX6 Milwaukee journalist, stresses we all must “stay home and save lives.”
If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, start with our COVID-19 Symptom Checker or call 866-443-2584. Our symptom checker is the quickest way to find out what to do next or get answers to your questions.
Don’t ignore emergency symptoms during the pandemic
Hospitals have tightened visitor policies and stopped certain surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic, but you shouldn’t hesitate to seek emergency care if you need it.
Heart attacks and strokes can be fatal, and getting help quickly is key to treatment of both.
