We are being encouraged to wash our hands more frequently with the current situation, and I have received many calls from worried people that their hands are sore and starting to crack, with the use of alcohol based antibacterial gels.
The National Eczema Society have said it is not necessary to use antibacterial gels, particularly if you have eczema prone skin, as they strip your skin of the protective oils and membranes, which can then lead to infected skin. Instead the advice is to continue to use your normal soap substitute, and moisturise your skin afterwards with your favourite moisturiser.
I like to add lavender essential oil to my soap substitute and moisturiser as it has anti inflammatory properties, and it helps to heal broken skin, as well as being a pleasant scent, however you should always do a patch test first if your skin is very sensitive.
Jane Glover - Homeopath 