June update: soothe dry sore hands
Just when life looked like it was on the up again, it got worse.
The recent upsurge in Covid-19 cases in Victoria is a reminder to us all the health risks are not over yet.
You know what to do: all that handwashing, no hugging and maintaining a decent amount of physical distance can save lives.
Soothe dry sore hands
Are your hands dry and sore from frequent use of soap and sanitizers? It can be a drag perpetually washing our hands but keep it up!
I prefer using an unscented natural, liquid soap. It lathers just as well as conventional varieties. For a pleasant aroma, it’s easy to add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the bottle, which I find smells better than some of the so called natural scents used in soap products.
As hand sanitizers are so drying due to the high (but necessary) alcohol content, I tend to only use it if I touch anything while I’m out, such as filling the car or grocery shopping. Remember to wash your hands to get the sanitizer off when you get home or before eating.
As we’re now in the depths of winter, the weather also can cause our hands to dry out, further compounding the problem.
Once hands dry out from frequent washing or sanitizing, the skin becomes prone to cracking, which can cause pain and increased infections. Like all treatments, it’s more effective to be proactive and apply them before they get too bad.
Natural remedies for dry sore hands
Try these natural methods to soothe your hands.
Coconut oil: rub some oil onto your hands and let it soak in. Choose a time when you won’t be actively using your hands, for example when watching TV, so you’re not getting everything oily! It’s also a great technique to give yourself a break from using devices.
Calendula: grab a natural calendula (marigold) based cream from the healthfood store to help heal chapped skin. Use instead of moisturiser during the day. If your hands are particularly sore consider an overnight treatment, slathering it on at bedtime, then covering your hands with cotton gloves.
Use an oat bag instead of soap in the shower or bath: simply add some rolled oats to a muslin bag, clean stocking or cloth. When wet it creates it lathers and is a natural moisturiser and cleanser.
Photo by Nazmi Zaim on Unsplash
On a personal note
It’s been a tough month, with the death of my father in New Zealand. Unfortunately, due to our closed border I was unable to travel and be with him in time.
His death and the travel ban has been quite a sting in the Corona tail, so I’m taking life a bit more quietly at the moment. Consequently there’s no newsletter this month but the next one will be out, as usual, in July.
Online naturopathy and mentoring
I am back at work and continuing to see clients via Zoom/Facetime/Skype.
With the risk of a second wave in Sydney, my Camperdown clinic remains closed but I’m still consulting with clients near and far and prescribing remedies online. Please book your appointment online, as usual.
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