Dry hands are an extremely common complaint during this pandemic, as health authorities have urged people to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use an alcohol-based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.  It’s undoubtedly a good thing to follow these guidelines, as keeping our hands clean helps prevent the spread of disease. Unfortunately, when we wash with soap or use an alcohol-based rub, it gets rid not only of dirt, microbes, and other unwanted debris, it also helps break down our skin’s protective barrier. Use of alcohol-based hand rubs or sanitizers, along with repeated hand washing, especially with hot water, can exacerbate this damage, causing dryness, tightness, roughness, flaking, and possibly even cracking, with the skin splitting and creating tiny fissures that act as open wounds. However, there are many other possible causes of dry hands, including environmental or even medical factors. Below are some of them: • Weather. The dry, cold air in winter can dehydrate your skin. This is made even worse by indoor heating as they sap the air of humidity.  • Household Chemicals. Laundry soap, dishwashing liquid, and bathroom cleaners have harsh surfactants and other irritating ingredients. • Hot Water. Using hot water to wash your hands, do the dishes, or even taking hot baths or showers can lead to dryness, as hot water strips away protective oils more effectively than cold water. • Allergies or Other Skin Issues. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause dry, chapped hands or constant peeling. Allergies such as contact dermatitis can lead to weeping rashes and redness as well.