October 15 – Global Handwashing Day: How to Wash Your Hands Properly and Care for Your Skin

October 15 marks Global Handwashing Day. This day reminds us of one of the simplest yet most effective habits for preventing disease.

We wash our hands many times throughout the day, often automatically. However, it is important not only to clean our skin regularly but also to care for it properly, especially if we frequently come into contact with water, soap, or hand sanitizers throughout the day.

As a dermatologist, I would like to emphasize that keeping our hands clean is essential for our health, but taking proper care of the skin on our hands is equally important.

Why Is Handwashing Important?

Our hands are constantly in contact with our surroundings: objects, surfaces, food, phones, door handles, and much more.

Washing our hands with soap and water helps physically remove dirt and microorganisms from the skin. This is why handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Hand hygiene is particularly important in the following situations:

• Before preparing or eating food;
• After using the toilet;
• After coughing or sneezing;
• Before and after caring for someone who is ill;
• After using public transportation;
• After contact with animals;
• After handling waste;
• After treating wounds or other skin injuries.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Proper handwashing involves more than simply lathering your palms for a few seconds. It is important to clean the entire surface of your hands, including the areas between your fingers and around your nails.

The recommended procedure consists of five steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean running water.
2. Apply soap and spread it thoroughly over the entire surface of your hands.
3. Rub your hands thoroughly, including your palms, the backs of your hands, the spaces between your fingers, your thumbs, and the areas around your nails.
4. Rinse off the soap under running water.
5. Dry your hands, preferably by gently patting them with a clean towel or using another method that leaves the skin dry.

Spend approximately 20 seconds washing your hands.

Following this sequence helps ensure that no areas of the skin are missed and makes handwashing more effective.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hands?

The need to wash your hands depends on the situation. You do not need to follow a strict schedule, but there are times when handwashing is particularly important — before eating, after using the toilet, after contact with animals or waste, and after coughing or sneezing.

At the same time, excessive washing when it is not necessary can negatively affect the skin’s protective barrier. That is why it is important to strike a balance: wash your hands whenever needed and remember to care for your skin afterward.

Can Frequent Handwashing Damage Your Skin?

Yes. And this creates a certain paradox: we wash our hands to protect ourselves from infections, but excessive cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier.

Frequent handwashing, combined with repeated exposure to water, detergents, and hand sanitizers, can contribute to:

• Dryness;
• Flaking;
• Redness;
• Itching;
• Burning sensations;
• Cracks and fissures;
• A feeling of tightness.

This is particularly relevant for people with sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis, or a predisposition to contact dermatitis.

A compromised skin barrier is more than a cosmetic concern. Dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to irritants and can be more easily damaged.

Therefore, dry hands should not be a reason to avoid necessary handwashing. Instead, it is important to choose appropriate cleansing and skincare products.

Hand Care for People Who Wash Their Hands Frequently

Hand care is especially important for people who wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizers throughout the day.

Choose a Gentle Cleanser

If you need to wash your hands often, it is best to use a gentle cleanser without harsh ingredients or a strong fragrance.

For people with dry or sensitive skin, it is particularly important to avoid products that leave the skin feeling excessively tight after washing.

Avoid Very Hot Water

Comfortably warm or cool running water is sufficient for washing your hands. Water that is too hot can worsen dryness and irritation.

Do Not Forget to Moisturize

Apply a moisturizing or barrier-repair cream after every handwashing session.

For dry and sensitive skin, it is best to choose fragrance-free products. Creams and ointments may be more effective at restoring dry skin than lightweight lotions.

Useful ingredients to look for in hand care products include:

• Ceramides;
• Hyaluronic acid;
• Petrolatum;
• Mineral oils;
• Glycerin.

Regular use of these products helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier and reduce feelings of dryness after cleansing.

What About Hand Sanitizers?

When soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizers are particularly convenient when traveling, using public transportation, visiting public places, or in other situations where washing your hands is not possible.

However, when soap and water are available, there is generally no need to replace routine handwashing with hand sanitizer unnecessarily.

If your skin becomes dry after using a sanitizer, you can apply a moisturizing cream once the sanitizer has completely dried.

When Can Dry Skin Be a Sign of Dermatitis?

Not every instance of dry skin indicates a medical condition. However, persistent redness, itching, burning, flaking, or the development of cracks may indicate irritation or an underlying dermatological condition.

The following symptoms may be signs of hand dermatitis:

• Persistent itching;
• Redness;
• Dryness and flaking;
• Burning sensations;
• Painful cracks;
• Blisters;
• Oozing;
• Skin rashes.

If symptoms persist despite regular use of a moisturizer, simply continuing self-care may not be enough. It is important to identify the underlying cause, as treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and the factors triggering it.

If skin changes are persistent or severe, you should consult a dermatologist. You can learn more about the dermatology services available at ZDRAVO on the clinic’s dermatology page.

How to Keep Your Skin Healthy When Washing Your Hands Frequently

Handwashing should not mean having to choose between protecting yourself from infections and maintaining healthy skin.

The best approach combines:

• Regular handwashing whenever necessary;
• Proper handwashing technique;
• A gentle cleansing product;
• A comfortable water temperature;
• Regular moisturizing;
• Timely consultation with a dermatologist if persistent symptoms develop.

And perhaps the most important thing I would like to remind you of is this: you should not be afraid to wash your hands because of dry skin. Instead, you need to learn how to care for it properly.

If your hands are already showing signs of redness, itching, cracks, or rashes, this is a reason to consult a specialist. At ZDRAVO Medical Center, you can receive a medical consultation and determine the appropriate next steps for your skin care and treatment.