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INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT FOR YOUR SKIN

Hand Washing & Covid 19 Symptoms

HAND WASHING AND COVID 19

Covid 19 has become the only news topic of the moment. We are all aware that one of the most important things we can do to minimise our risk of infection is to wash our hands regularly. The logic behind regular hand washing is the knowledge that the most vulnerable structure of the virus is the outer lipid (fat) layer. Soaps are known to dissolve the lipid membrane causing the virus to break apart and inactivated. An additional benefit of hand washing is that it removes particles on the skin such as dust and bacteria to which the virus can also attach itself.  Ethanol based hand sanitizer can also have similar preventative effects  against  covid infection. Products should have 60-90% alcohol. It is fortunate that something so inexpensive and safe can have a protective effect against a deadly virus.

… “29-04-20 – Dr Maria Gonzalez Talking about Hand Washing & Covid 19 Symptoms at Specialist Skin Clinic
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Unsurprisingly there are also potential negative issues associated with repeated hand washing. The barrier function of the skin is maintained by having a more acidic pH of approximately 5.5 or lower. However, soaps tend to have an alkaline pH of 9-10. This can also affect the presence of the normal bacteria that live on the skin.

Repetitive hand washing can commonly result in dryness of the skin. In the worst cases the skin becomes cracked or splits in some areas. Redness and burning of skin may also develop. If this occurs it is likely that dermatitis has developed as a result of the repeated exposure to soaps and ethanol which have temporarily damaged the barrier function of the skin. Nails can also be affected becoming cracked and brittle over time. The medical term for this type of dermatitis is contact dermatitis which can be either irritant or allergic. Irritant dermatitis can occur in anyone while allergic contact dermatitis occurs in people of are allergic to ingredients in the product being used.

In order to both protect ourselves from covid 19 by regularly washing our hands as well as to maintain the skin’s microflora and barrier function a moisturising lotion or cream should be applied each time we wash our hands. It is important to also avoid scrubbing the hand while washing as this may result in breaks in the skin worsening the deterioration of the skin’s barrier function. The use of excessively hot water may have a similar negative impact. It would be advisable to wear protective gloves when using household disinfectant products to further decrease skin irritation, barrier disruption and the risk of developing dermatitis.

Emollients or creams that contain ceramides or ingredients higher in omega 6 fatty acid or oils high in linoleic acid are helpful in improving the skin barrier. Products with topical pre or probiotics may also help to restore the skin microflora.

It is essential that we keep washing our hands regularly to prevent the spread of covid. However, we must also do whatever we can to main our skin health to avoid developing contact dermatitis which often needs treatment from a dermatologist to bring it under control.

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Specialist Skin Clinic
10 Penlline Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 2AD

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T: 02920 617690

F: 02920 621209