People with atopic eczema as children, or who have had eczema or psoriasis as adults, can more easily have problems with frequent hand washing. People who are allergic to pollen and livestock, and people with asthma, tend to have dry skin and will more easily have problems with frequent hand washing.
Hand washing should be done gently using moderately warm water (ie not too hot), no more than 20 seconds and without rubbing and scrubbing too much on the skin. Soap should be rinsed off the skin. If you overdo the hand washing, the skin's natural barrier will be damaged. After hand washing, hands should be dried well. Gentle use of a towel or paper is advisable. Remember to also wipe away water between your fingers. It can be good to air dry your hands at the end.
Some people need to use a moisturizer. There are a number of different creams, and those containing carbamide and lactic acid will work well for some. But the most important thing is to find a cream that is comfortable, absorbs quickly and can be used often. Most people find that ointments get too sticky on their hands. Moisturizers make the skin supple and soft, strengthen the skin barrier and bind moisture in the skin. If the skin is very dry, it is possible to use a thick layer of moisturizer in the evening and wear cotton gloves at night. Some people can also get such dry hands that treatment for eczema is necessary. Then hydrocortisone 1% cream or prescription creams are necessary.
