Hand sanitiser

[Steve]

I’m using a lot of hand sanitiser at the moment (like everyone else I imagine) but it’s really hurting my hands – particularly my knuckles – what do you suggest?

[Dr Alia Ahmed]

Hand sanitising (with an alcohol-based gel or rub) works quickly to reduce the number of harmful organisms on the skin, hence reducing the spread of disease. The alcohol content has a drying effect, as it removes protective factors and results in a compromised skin barrier. Once the protective factors are removed then the skin becomes more permeable (or open) to irritants entering, which can further aggravate symptoms like flaking, redness, itching or cracking. Use moisturiser after using hand sanitiser, handwashing and overnight to replenish the skin’s natural reserves. Look for ointments as overnight treatments (as they are thicker and stick better to the skin) and creams during the day (soak into the skin quickly and do not leave hands feeling greasy).