Hand Eczema and Hand Sanitizer - How To Keep it Under Control.

Sanitize. Sanitize. Sanitize. It’s all we are hearing in the news right now along with social distancing, staying home, and where is all the toilet paper? These are unknown times for our world as we face a global pandemic, COVID-19. Now more than ever it is important to stay safe and healthy. Use this guide to hand washing with eczema as a resource to help flatten the virus curve and safely treat and heal hand eczema. We are here for you during this time. 

According to the World Health Organization and Center of Disease Control, the best way to stop the spread of viruses is to routinely wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. But this can be harsh on hand eczema. If at all possible, choose hand washing over the use hand sanitizer. The high alcohol content in hand sanitizer can trigger flares and can actually worsen symptoms. However, killing germs is very important to avoid the spread right now. If you must use hand sanitizer, it is critical that you apply an eczema-supported moisturizer immediately after. See step three for the best moisturizers to treat hand eczema. 

First clean the affected area with a safe soap.

Shopping for an eczema-friendly soap is a challenge in itself, there are endless options. Be cautious of soaps that contain fragrances, alcohols, or dyes as these will dry out your skin.

This Free & Clear cleanser is specially formulated for eczema. It is unscented and free of common chemical irritants. This is not soap however, it is a cleanser that can be used for hands, body, and face.  If you are looking for bar soap, this oatmeal and lavender bar is a wonderful gentle soap with clean ingredients for handwashing. Not to mention it smells so good! If you are out shopping for other hand soaps or bar soaps, make sure to look for ones that are hypoallergenic, unscented, and/or soaps that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. These soaps will be less likely to cause a flare. 

Wash hands with lukewarm water and pat dry. After rinsing with soap and water, pat hands dry with a paper towel. Avoid harsh rubbing on a hand towel if at all possible, this leads to cracking, oozing, and very unhappy eczema.  

Second, apply an eczema safe hand cream 

After washing, sometimes you can instantly feel them starting to dry out. Especially if using conventional soap or hand sanitizer! Put that feeling to rest by applying a high quality emollient to lock in the skin’s natural moisture and prevent the unwanted cracking. Want to really knock hand eczema out in as little as two treatments? Use our eczema treatment emollients, Vaniply Ointment or Eczema Honey Oatmeal Cream, soon after hand washing. We recommend the use of Vaniply overnight with our eczema treatment gloves, and the Eczema Honey Oatmeal Cream during the day.  

Third, invest in eczema treatment gloves. 

These gloves are the secret weapon at healing the most stubborn of hand eczema in as little as two treatments. These gloves are a game changer, and especially when used in combination with Vaniply Ointment. See photo below of the progress of hand eczema when using Vaniply Ointment and Eczema Treatment Gloves. It yields incredible results! They are made from bamboo, which naturally prevents itching and scratching. The eczema treatment gloves are available in adults and kids sizes. Better yet, they are machine washable for continued use. Simply put in a gentle wash laundry bag and lay flat to dry. 

Additional Tip: 

While sanitizing surfaces in your home, it is smart to wear protective gloves so strong ingredients such as bleach or alcohol do not come in contact with your eczema. Those ingredients will further irritate your skin. The CDC recommends 4 tsp. of household bleach be combined with 1 qt. of water. This can be used to wipe down surfaces, floors, door handles and light switches and even groceries and amazon deliveries. Wear protective gloves then wash your hands and apply a hand cream such as our oatmeal honey hand cream.