2020 is officially over, and we can all say that we are thankful for that. There is so much information out there on the best ways to protect yourself against the coronavirus. However, one stands out above the rest, hand washing. The simple act of hand washing can limit the spread of germs, protect yourself, but also alter the skin barrier’s integrity.

What does this mean? We are all taking the right steps to properly wash our hands, but this much hand washing can increase the risk of hand dermatitis. Hand dermatitis is a common skin condition that presents itself with signs of the following:

• Excessive dryness
• Red macules (small spots, not elevated)
• Papules (elevated, small lesions)
• Plaques (larger lesions, may be elevated)
• Swelling
• Blistering and weeping
• Fissuring (splitting or cracking)
• Lichenification (skin thickening due to chronic rubbing/scratching).

Dermatitis sounds scary, but you can help treat your hands to prevent long standing dermatitis issues. Moisturizing your hands is the best treatment for hand dermatitis. Total Skin and Beauty’s desire is that you are protected, healthy, and skin conscious. We want to join with you, in making this tough season, one of ease.

Toni, who works in our Aesthetic Center, has been with our staff for a year and an aesthetician for 5 years. She was so excited to share her favorite hand cream with you. GOOD NEWS…you can purchase on our online store HERE!

Our Total Skin and Beauty Market carries over-the-counter hand moisturizers. Our team works diligently to make the prices competitive with local drugstores. We asked our Market Manager, Jennifer, what her favorite hand products are and these were her top recommendations for combatting hand dermatitis:

• Cutemol
• Ceravé Cream
• Amlactin Lotion or Cream (Both are great!)
• Vanicream
• Aveeno Eczema Moisturizing Cream or Lotion

Over-the-counter medications and creams are great options to help remedy hand dermatitis, but should that not produce the results or relief you need—did you know that you can also get a prescription from your physician or dermatologist? We spoke with Dr. Melanie Appell, Total Skin & Beauty Dermatologist, about hand washing and hand dermatitis and her favorite prescription medication for hand dermatitis is Eletone Cream.

There are other treatment options that we can tell you about, which is great news! Total Skin and Beauty Dermatology Center wants to stand with you, in not only protecting against the coronavirus, but also in protecting your skin. Please feel free schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists to discuss how to best prevent and combat the discomfort and effects of hand dermatitis.