Public transportation, changing classrooms, recess, trips to the restroom, sharing supplies—these are just a few of the many situations that require them to wash their hands. In fact, it’s well established that thorough handwashing—with hand sanitizer or soap—is one of the best ways to slow the spread of infectious diseases. However, using these products very frequently can lead to dry skin, or even cracks with open sores that can sometimes be very painful.
So how can we protect our children’s hands? Dr. Alexandra Tsouka, a physician in the pediatrics department at La Tour Hospital, offers some advice.
Opt for washing with soap and water
Although soap also dries out the skin, it is gentler on the hands than hand sanitizer. Whenever possible, you should therefore opt for washing with soap and water. In addition, using a pH-neutral soap is recommended, at least at home if it’s not available at school. It is also essential to carefully follow all the steps for proper hand sanitization, which are similar whether you use hand sanitizer or soap and water. To help your child follow these best practices, you can teach them a short rhyme to sing while washing their hands, ensuring they don’t rush through the process or wash too superficially.
Drying Hands Properly
When your child washes their hands with soap and water, it’s important that they dry them properly. This is because, on the one hand, germs spread more easily on damp hands, and on the other hand, water can also dry out the skin.
Establish a moisturizer routine
Moisturizers help repair the skin and lock in moisture, making them a good solution for dry skin. If your child is independent enough, they can apply moisturizer regularly throughout the day—after washing or sanitizing their hands, for example. But children are often reluctant to use cream and don’t like the feeling of greasy hands, especially when they’re playing. In this case, you can step in at bedtime and establish a routine by systematically applying ointment when they get into bed, for a nap, or at night.
Use a thick, rich ointment and bandage chapped hands
Opt for rich, thick creams, especially if you notice signs of dryness, such as rough skin. This type of product has the advantage of not absorbing immediately, allowing it to work all night by creating a protective barrier.
Sometimes, despite precautions, the skin dries out and cracks appear, along with painful sores. In this case, always at bedtime, apply a layer of ointment and cover your child’s hands—for example, with gauze pads—or put a thin cotton glove on them. This will prevent them from rubbing the cream into the sheets and will protect the skin from friction.
If redness spreads around these lesions and there is oozing, please consult your pediatrician.
Comments from Dr. Alexandra Tsouka, as recorded by Géraldine Monay, communications officer.