In the fight against Covid-19, an arsenal of personal hygiene and house cleaning products took over the pantries. But this welcome use and abuse against coronaviruses and other germs call for caution. By using soap and alcohol more frequently, they can erode the skin's natural barriers and attack what is most exposed to our hands.
The skin has a layer of fat, which preserves hydration and protects it explains dermatologists. When this layer is removed all the time, the hands are susceptible to dryness, irritation, and even more serious injuries. Therefore, the watchword in these times is hydration.
The creams and lotions are the most recommended items, and it is best to check with a dermatologist who best matches your skin type. Less natural ingredients made soaps and face washes are also a good choice. Whenever you sanitize your hands with soap and water or alcohol, dry them well and apply moisturizer afterward. It's just not worth giving up cleaning — for the sake of your body and others.
In this context, the habit of biting nails gained strength and aroused fear. The hard part is that putting your hand to your mouth increases the risk of contagion, as it is difficult to get rid of all the dirt under the nails. Also, cuticle and finger skin bruises increase the likelihood of microbes invading the patch. As hygiene reinforced with soap and alcohol can make nails brittle, specific products can be indicated to strengthen them.
From Fingers to Fists
How to save your hands on extra cleaning times.
What to do?
Always hydrate: in addition to drinking water throughout the day, use moisturizing creams indicated by the dermatologist after hand hygiene and bathing.
Prefer what is less aggressive: more powerful soaps or soaps full of aroma can irritate sensitive hands. In everyday life, prioritize neutral and sunset.
Wear gloves when cleaning: when cleaning your home with bleach or disinfectant, don't forget to wear rubber gloves.
What to avoid?
Abuse of bactericides: experts contraindicate soaps with this property as they are ineffective against viruses and kill the good bacteria on our skin.
Compulsively washing: paranoia leads to excesses that damage the skin. Wash your hands when coming back from the street, picking up something off the ground, before eating or touching your face...
Use of glove: this applies to cleaning. If a rubber glove causes contact dermatitis, put a cotton glove underneath to protect yourself.
Masked and no pimples
We still don't know when it will be possible to leave the house without a mask. The challenge now is to manage the inconveniences that use brings, especially for people who have to work most of the day with their faces covered. The use for hours on end causes lesions on the skin surface by friction and the lack of ventilation makes the oiliness increase, opening up the pimples.
Annoyance is so common that the term mask acne, the acne caused by the mask, is popularized. With the obstruction of the air passage in the lower portion of the face, the sebaceous glands become more active. They try to protect the skin by producing more oil.
That's a pot full of bacteria and blackheads and pimples. The problem is more frequent with masks made of synthetic materials, such as surgical ones, which are great for defending against the coronavirus. The homemade ones even allow the skin to breathe better, but if they are not washed on a daily basis, they accumulate impurities and bring more irritation to the face.
What to do?
Change more often: to work better and not smother the skin, the mask must be changed or sanitized within four hours or if it becomes damp.
Washing your face: Doctors recommend always washing your entire face in the morning and evening. Even for those who didn't wear a mask all day.
Controlling oiliness: the skin may indicate soaps and other specific products that limit fat and inflammation in the skin.
What to avoid?
Wear a mask at all times: it is essential on the street. If you live alone or don't live with someone with Covid-19, using it directly at home harms the skin.
Ignore the type of fabric: except in hospitals and places that require professional masks, prioritize fabrics that are less damp, such as cotton.
Wear it the right way: If the mask is not the right size, it can hurt your face. If not sanitized, it favors pimples.
People with Chronic dermatological problems must take care of their skin now and after the pandemic.
What should you do?
Consult a dermatologist: Diagnosis is the first step in designing a daily care plan, followed by treatment.
Use the right product: there are more adequate lotions and creams according to the problem. Hence the importance of aligning with the doctor.
Take care of the mind: stress manifests itself on the surface of the skin and worsens the symptoms. Look for a hobby and activities that bring relaxation.
What to avoid?
Taking a hot shower: showering with very hot water makes the skin even drier, worsening the control of dermatitis and company.
Stopping treatment: diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis may require medication for proper control. Abandoning them without guidance is a big mistake.
Using homemade recipes: There is nothing against natural formulas. The problem, especially in the middle of a crisis, is that they can worsen skin lesions.