Posted on October 9, 2026
Has your skin gone dry for washing them too many times? While it’s part of safety precautions during cold and flu season, we can make lifestyle adjustments to keep our skin healthy while adhering to safety protocols. Frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer are a crucial steps in preventing the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses, and several jobs require them such as:
- Healthcare workers
- Chefs and food handlers
- Childcare providers and teachers
- Microbiologists and lab technicians
- Hairdressers and estheticians
However, cracked and scaly palms are also a potential source of danger that we shouldn’t neglect.
Ways to relieve dry and cracking skin at home
The dry cracked skin on our hands can make us more susceptible to yet another potential infection. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin hydrated and free from the dry stinging skin on your hands.
Hand Cream
Moisturizers and hand creams are the easiest remedy for dry skin. They trap the water on our skin to prevent it from evaporating. After washing your hands, dry it with a clean towel, and leave it damp. Then, immediately apply hand cream or moisturizing lotion like Lubriderm Lotion for normal to dry skin or Cetaphil lotion, available at our Carolina Pharmacy.
For severe and painful cracks on your palms and fingers, you can apply petroleum jelly. Seal the healing process of your skin by covering it with gloves or socks. It can be a greasy process, so better do this at night.
Coconut Oil
Oils are more effective for skin hydration due to their ability to completely trap water onto the skin. Coconut oil is by far one of the best natural agents for both hydration and fighting infection. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill bacteria and fungi.
Lather the coconut oil on your damp palms after taking a bath and after washing your hands. You can also leave it overnight for faster healing and better hydration of your skin.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is another natural solution that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is light on skin and best for people who are not fond of the sticky feeling of moisturizers. Apply the aloe vera gel after washing or sanitizing your hands until your skin absorbs it.
DIY Oatmeal Hand Soak
After a day full of hand washing and sanitizing, give your hands the care it deserves with an oatmeal hand soak. Mix milk and crushed oatmeal in a basin and add water enough to submerge your hands. Let it soak for a good 15 minutes and apply hand cream.
Carolina Pharmacy has Options for Your Dry Skin
We hope that these tips will prevent you from having skin problems during the pandemic. Carolina Pharmacy has skin topical solutions and moisturizers that are perfect for your dry skin. You can also have your skin essentials delivered right to your doorstep with our prescription delivery service.
Get advice from our pharmacists in Charlotte, North Carolina about your skin nourishment needs.
