Most sanitizers contain ~60% or more alcohol that is a known contact allergen. And most hand washes are made with SLES which is also harsh on hands, particularly with repetitive washing. Constant use of both of them triggers a well-known dermatological issue called “Contact Dermatitis” resulting in dry-itchy-red palms that peel more often than normal.
Contact dermatitis is not a permanent concern. It only remains till we are in contact with the concerned allergen and some short time after that. Unfortunately, in the time of COVID, sanitization is something that we cannot avoid.
Contact dermatitis is not a permanent concern. It only remains till we are in contact with the concerned allergen and some short time after that. Unfortunately, in the time of COVID, sanitization is something that we cannot avoid.
So, what to do?
Before we discuss the solution, a bit more understanding of contact dermatitis is important. Some allergens or irritants that are of low molecular weight (very small size) can penetrate the epidermis layer of skin and bind with skin protein. These triggers an immune response from the body because it considers these irritants as an attack on the skin. So if our hand is irritated by alcohol or hand cleansers, it simply means that our skin does not like them.
There can be three solutions to this problem
- Switch to a hand wash or sanitizer brand that offers a milder yet effective sanitization. In the case of hand wash, choose sulfate-free formula because they have very little biding with skin protein. While, in the case of sanitizers, not many options are available but try to choose one with a decent amount of moisturizers like glycerin or aloe vera.
- Use Brillare’s Ultimate Soothing Oil that is 100% natural and made with ingredients like hemp seed oil & black currant oil to give immediate as well as long-term comfort to irritated skin. In just a couple of days, you can experience healing and you can continue using Ultimate Soothing Oil as your hand’s protector till the time you are exposed to over sanitization.
Ultimate Soothing Oil: For Atopic & Contact Dermatitis
A rich blend of Hemp seed for inflammation, Black currant for soothing, Ceramide for barrier strengthening in a richly nourishing oil base to heal Atopic & Contact Dermatitis.
