People who wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day—such as healthcare workers, caregivers, food-service employees, cleaners, or parents caring for young children—may be particularly susceptible to irritation.
This doesn’t mean you should stop washing your hands.
Instead, focus on **how** you wash them and what you do afterward.
Use comfortably warm rather than very hot water, choose a gentle cleanser when possible, and moisturize after washing.
## Hand Sanitizer Can Also Cause Dryness
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water aren’t available.
But repeated use can contribute to dryness and irritation in some people.
If your hands feel tight or sting after using sanitizer, applying moisturizer once the sanitizer has dried can help restore some of the skin’s comfort.
There’s no need to avoid sanitizer when it’s appropriate for hygiene.
The goal is to balance infection prevention with skin care.
## Cold Weather Can Trigger Peeling
Winter can be particularly hard on the hands.
