Final answer:
To prevent hand dryness, use a hand moisturizer or lotion after washing and drying your hands. Maintaining cleanliness through proper hand hygiene is essential, but it's also important to protect your skin from dryness by moisturizing.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent hand dryness as part of hand hygiene, use a hand moisturizer or lotion after washing your hands. Washing hands repeatedly, especially with soap and water, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Here is a step-by-step approach to reduce hand dryness:
- Wet hands with warm water, ensuring hands are below the forearms.
- Apply about 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid soap.
- Lather soap by rubbing hands together, covering all areas, including the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- Rinse thoroughly with water flowing from wrists to fingertips.
- Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air blower, using the towel to turn off the faucet and open doors if possible.
- Immediately after drying, apply a hand moisturizer to replenish moisture and prevent dryness.
By following these steps, you can maintain hand hygiene while also protecting your skin from dryness.