Eczema on the rise after a year of hand-washing

Dermatologists say it is even causing premature skin ageing.

Frequent hand-washing and sanitising is causing a rise in skin conditions and even premature ageing of the hands, dermatologists say.

Rising numbers of patients are presenting with “lockdown hands” after a year of washing and applying alcohol gels to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Doctors say our washing routine, while essential, is stripping skin of its moisture and protective barrier, leading to dry, itchy hands and, in some cases, eczema and infections.

The problem has been exacerbated by antibacterial sprays and wipes.

Dr Justine Hextall, a consultant dermatologist and Fellow of the UK Royal College of Physicians, said she was seeing many people with a new irritant hand eczema or an exacerbation of pre-existing dermatitis.

“The skin on our hands is reasonably robust but constant washing with soap starts to remove the protective oils from our skin,” she said. “Once this happens, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritants and inflammation, itching and dryness, and can split.” Applying moisturiser does a lot to help, she added.

Last February, the UK government asked people to wash their hands frequently for 20 seconds. Soap breaks down the fatty layer surrounding the virus particles that causes it to break up, neutralising it.

Hand sanitiser became a sought-after commodity, particularly those with a 60 per cent minimum alcohol level.

Healthcare workers in particular are struggling with severe dermatitis, prompting some dermatologists to set up drop-in clinics to help.

Dr Sharon Wong, a consultant dermatologist, recommended applying fragrance-free moisturisers after washing and using those with “humectants” such as glycerine – which trap moisture in the skin – and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as niacinamide. “At night, consider a hand mask,” she said. “Use a much thicker layer of the same moisturiser you use during the day.”

The Sunday Times