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Eczema and handwashing: What you need to know

For people with eczema, handwashing can cause reactions like roughness, inflammation and redness. Here’s what you need to know about eczema and handwashing to help keep those symptoms at bay.

22 September '25

What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that can cause your skin to become itchy, cracked and inflamed. It can appear as rashes, rough patches and redness. It can appear all over your body, but is most common on the face, hands, inside the elbows and behind the knees.

Eczema and handwashing
Dermatologist Dr. Lina Kennedy explains how using a hand wash for sensitive skin can help keep eczema away: “Hand eczema can be tough, especially with frequent hand washing. I recommend using a gentle, nourishing hand wash to help support the skin barrier.” Her Dove hand wash recommendations? “Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Skin Hand Wash is sulfate-free and soothes dry skin Dove Advanced Care Deep Moisture Hand Wash is another good option, hydrating skin up to 10 layers deep.”

Handwashing tips for eczema-prone skin
Eczema–prone skin deserves some extra TLC, so here’s our advice on caring for dry skin caused by eczema and handwashing tips for dry or irritated skin.

1

Choose a soap for hand eczema

The best hand soaps for eczema are gentle and deeply moisturizing. If you want a Dove hand wash that is suitable for eczema prone skin, or if your hands are particularly sensitive, you might try our fragrance-free Advanced Care Sensitive Skin Hand Wash. If your skin is extra-dry, you might like Dove Advanced Care Deep Moisture Hand Wash, which hydrates skin 10 layers deep.
2

Use lukewarm water

Using hot water can cause eczema flare-ups, so you should wash your hands with lukewarm water instead. Make sure you rinse away all of your eczema hand soap so as not to leave any residue.
3

Dry your hands gently

Rubbing your hands too hard with a towel can irritate your skin. Instead, pat them dry with a soft, clean towel, or let them air dry.
4

Moisturize your hands straight away

Using hand lotion while your skin is still damp can help seal in moisture to eczema-prone skin and prevent cracking from dryness. To minimize skin irritation, you should use a fragrance-free hand lotion.
5

Avoid hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which can dry up your skin and cause irritation, and many wet wipes contain fragrances and preservatives that cause rashes and make eczema flare-ups worse.

If you’re looking for a hand soap for eczema, choose a gentle, sulfate-free Dove hand wash that cleanses and moisturizes your skin. Remember not to overwash or scrub too hard - less is more when you have eczema-prone, sensitive skin.