Handwashing (and moisturizing) in the age of COVID-19

As COVID-19 began to sweep the country in early 2020, people who never thought too much about proper handwashing suddenly became much more diligent. Here's how to do the job right and also keep the skin on your hands from drying out.

How to wash

Use soap and lukewarm water (turn off the water while you're soaping) and clean for 20 seconds. Be sure to include the backs of your hands and the areas between your fingers and around your nails. Many experts recommend singing the song "Happy Birthday" twice to be sure you're washing for long enough. Rinse.

When to wash

Reach for the soap as soon as you come home from being outside and especially after shopping; after using the bathroom; after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose; before preparing food and before eating; and after touching pets.

How to moisturize

Pat your hands dry and rub on a pea-sized amount of a thick hand cream, salve, or ointment such as Cetaphil or CeraVe while your hands are still slightly moist. Products that come in a tube or jar tend to be more therapeutic than thinner lotions that you pump out of a bottle. Avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances or dyes; they can irritate dry skin. Also apply hand cream after you use hand sanitizer, which can be drying. If the skin on your hands is very dry or cracking, lubricate the skin while you sleep: apply petrolatum or a thick moisturizer like Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula before bed and slip on a pair of cloth gloves.

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