Whether or not your hands are suffering from frequent hand washing, applications of alcohol-based sanitiser, or from hand dermatitis, you need a remedy and you need one quick!
Here are some ways to stop the itch after washing your hands:
- Check your soap! If you’re washing your hands for 20 seconds according to official guidance, the soap you’re subjecting your skin to could be aggravating your symptoms. Although the soap-free aqueous creams and emollient washes that eczema-sufferers might usually use are not effective against coronavirus, it’s still worth finding something that is kinder to skin than standard soap. If you wash thoroughly you can use a soap-free bar or hand wash that won’t be as harsh on your skin as high alkaline soap. Make sure it’s unscented and as simple as possible: fragrance is a major culprit behind skin flare-ups!
- Use water at the right temperature! Not too hot, not too cold, as both extremes will strip the natural oils from your skin.
- Pat hands dry with a clean paper towel rather than rubbing them with rough cotton.
- Apply an oil-based balm immediately after washing your hands: don’t wait! Carry a pot of balm around with you so you can apply it whenever you wash.
- Reapply throughout the day! You can slather on the balm as often as you want; you want to keep skin hydrated and protected from both further dehydration and external irritants.
- If your hands are itching furiously, hold a dry - not wet - cold compress against the itchy areas. A frozen bag of peas covered with a tea towel, or a cool gel pack can take the heat out of inflamed palms.
- Keep your hand balm/cream in the fridge for some extra cooling power!
- Avoid creams and balms which contain fragrances, dyes, and harsh preservatives. Stick to natural alternatives.
Recommended products
Skin Salvation balm with hemp seed and beeswax, from £7.99 for 30ml
Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash with calendula & chamomile, £19 for 200ml
Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream with shea butter and sea buckthorn oil, from £10.99 for 50ml
Important Note
If you require medical advice we recommend you always contact your healthcare professional.
If you or someone you are caring for seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong, call for emergency services straight away. For general medical advice, please contact your healthcare professional, this article does not contain or replace medical advice.
Do not delay getting help if you're worried. Trust your instincts.