Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of COVID-19, according to Canadian public health officials and the World Health Organization.
But cold, dry winter air is enough to cause cracked skin, and an increase in washing and sanitizing hands can make it even worse.
So how can you continue to engage in important handwashing practices while preventing skin irritation and redness? According to Dr.
Julia Carroll, a dermatologist at Toronto’s Compass Dermatology and lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, using a moisturizing soap and hand cream directly after can give you relief. “Handwashing and then moisturizing is similar to what we do with our hair; we wash our hair with shampoo and