• Diligent handwashing may keep germs away, but it may also damage skin.
• Washing in warm water rather than hot can keep your hands from getting dry.
• Blotting rather than drying hands dry can keep abrasions from forming.
• Hand sanitizer can be used temporarily in place of washing when hands are extremely chapped.
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With the COVID-19 outbreak, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraging everyone to wash their hands frequently.

“Whether it be the rapidly escalating corona pandemic or just any given winter, handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of infections. Unfortunately, the very soaps and even wringing of hands underwater will also break down the barrier we are trying to protect,” Dr. Adam Friedman, professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, told Healthline.

As we diligently wash hands more frequently than usual, skin experts share tips that can help keep your skin healthy.