Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are not available in NHG Pharmacy. You may wish to contact the hospital or retail pharmacies to enquire on its availability. Hand sanitizers with alcohol can be drying to chapped skin in your hands. However, alcohol-free hand sanitizers with a moisturizing base may not be effective in killing viruses.
Do note that washing your hands is more effective than using hand sanitizers. Washing your hands help prevent illness by removing harmful bacteria and viruses. However, frequent hand washing can lead to dry skin as well.
Hence, if you have dry skin, you may wish to
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in lukewarm water. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleansers to wash your hand. Avoid applying too much soap/cleanser as thick lather may wash away natural oils.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel but leave some water on your hands
- Apply moisturizer to your skin, including your fingertips and nails
- When you are using a hand sanitizer, it is advisable to apply your moisturizer immediately after the hand sanitizer dries.
- Keep your fingernails short to prevent dirt and germs from collecting. It is also to prevent skin tears when itching.
Moisturizer used should be free of dyes, fragrance and other possible irritants to prevent worsening of itch and dryness of the skin such as aqueous cream and emulsifying ointment. These are available in NHG Pharmacy. You may purchase it over the counter in the retail pharmacy.
However, if your hands still itch, you may consider mild steroid creams to reduce itch. Oral antihistamines can be taken to reduce the itch as well. Both these medications are available in NHG Pharmacy. You may purchase it from the retail pharmacies after consultation with a pharmacist.
Dry skin and itch may be due to an allergic reaction, skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis or other skin conditions. Hence if the dry itchy skin does not get better, or worsens over time, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a review of your skin condition and for appropriate treatment and advice.