7 Fixes For Dry Dishwashing Hands (Solved)

Washing dishes is an essential household chore that most of us do every day. However, it’s not uncommon to experience dry, cracked hands after washing dishes, especially during the cold winter months.

Here Are 7 Fixes For Dry Dishwashing Hands

The combination of hot water, dish soap, and exposure to air can quickly strip your hands of their natural oils, leaving them feeling rough and uncomfortable. But don’t worry, there are several simple steps you can take to keep your hands soft and supple, even after a long session of dishwashing. This includes using:

Not using really hot water while washing

Using a barrier cream

Avoiding dishsoap

Using natural detergant

Using correct gloves

In this blog, we’ll discuss some effective methods to fix dry dishwashing hands and help you maintain healthy, hydrated skin, no matter how many dishes you have to clean.

Ways Dishwashing can affect your hands

Itchy Hands After Washing

Dishwashing involves using hot water and dish soap to remove grease, oil, and food residues from dishes, utensils, and other kitchen items. While this process is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria, it can also have a negative impact on your skin, particularly on your hands. Here are a few ways that dishwashing can affect your hands and make them itchy:

Hot water: The hot water used for dishwashing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, rough, and prone to irritation.

Dish soap: Most dish soaps contain harsh chemicals that can further dry out your skin and cause itching, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Friction: The act of scrubbing dishes and utensils can create friction between your skin and the dishwashing sponge or brush, leading to irritation and itching.

Exposure to allergens: If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in your dish soap, you may experience itching or a rash on your hands after washing dishes.

Burning Fingers

Dishwashing can cause burning and stinging sensations in the fingers for several reasons. Firstly, hot water used for dishwashing can cause thermal burns on the skin, especially if the water temperature is too high.

Secondly, the use of harsh chemicals in dish soap, combined with the repetitive motion of scrubbing dishes, can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin on the hands and fingers. Finally, prolonged exposure to water and soap can lead to skin dryness and cracks, which can also cause a burning sensation.

To prevent burning fingers while washing dishes, it’s important to take precautions such as using gloves to protect your hands from hot water and harsh chemicals. Additionally, it’s important to use a mild dish soap that’s gentle on the skin and to avoid scrubbing too vigorously to prevent irritation.

It’s also helpful to moisturize your hands after washing dishes to prevent dryness and cracking, which can contribute to a burning sensation. If you do experience a burning sensation in your fingers after washing dishes, it’s recommended to rinse your hands with cool water and apply a moisturizing lotion to soothe the skin. If the burning sensation persists, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Peeling Skin

Dishwashing can cause peeling skin on the hands due to a combination of factors. The use of hot water and harsh chemicals in dish soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and cracking. Over time, the repeated exposure to water and soap can further damage the skin, causing it to peel and flake.

Additionally, the friction caused by scrubbing dishes and utensils can cause further irritation and damage to the skin, leading to peeling. People with sensitive skin may be more prone to experiencing peeling skin after washing dishes due to increased irritation.

To prevent peeling skin while washing dishes, it’s important to take precautions such as wearing gloves to protect your hands from hot water and harsh chemicals. Additionally, using a mild dish soap that’s gentle on the skin and avoiding scrubbing too vigorously can help prevent irritation and damage to the skin. It’s also important to moisturize your hands regularly to prevent dryness and cracking, which can contribute to peeling skin.

If you do experience peeling skin on your hands after washing dishes, it’s recommended to avoid further exposure to hot water and harsh chemicals until the skin heals. Applying a moisturizing lotion or cream to the affected area can help soothe and hydrate the skin. If the peeling is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching or pain, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Wrinkled Skin

Dishwashing can cause wrinkled skin on the hands due to prolonged exposure to water. The hot water used for dishwashing can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dehydration. When the skin is dehydrated, it can become more susceptible to damage, which can cause it to wrinkle and become rough.

Additionally, the repeated exposure to water and soap can cause the skin on the hands to become overly moist and wrinkled, similar to what happens to the skin on fingers and toes during a long bath. This wrinkling can further damage the skin and cause it to become more prone to dryness, cracking, and irritation.

To prevent wrinkled skin while washing dishes, it’s important to take precautions such as wearing gloves to protect your hands from hot water and harsh chemicals. Additionally, using a mild dish soap that’s gentle on the skin and avoiding soaking your hands in water for too long can help prevent dehydration and wrinkling of the skin. It’s also important to moisturize your hands regularly to prevent dryness and cracking, which can further damage the skin and cause it to wrinkle.

If you do experience wrinkled skin on your hands after washing dishes, it’s recommended to avoid further exposure to hot water and harsh chemicals until the skin heals. Applying a moisturizing lotion or cream to the affected area can help soothe and hydrate the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If the wrinkling is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or redness, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Swollen Hands

Dishwashing can cause swollen hands due to a combination of factors. The hot water used for dishwashing can cause thermal burns on the skin, which can lead to swelling, redness, and pain. Additionally, the use of harsh chemicals in dish soap, combined with the repetitive motion of scrubbing dishes, can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin on the hands and fingers, which can also lead to swelling.

In some cases, people with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema may be more prone to experiencing swollen hands after washing dishes due to increased sensitivity and inflammation of the skin.

To prevent swollen hands while washing dishes, it’s important to take precautions such as using gloves to protect your hands from hot water and harsh chemicals. Additionally, using a mild dish soap that’s gentle on the skin and avoiding scrubbing too vigorously can help prevent irritation and damage to the skin. It’s also helpful to moisturize your hands after washing dishes to prevent dryness and cracking, which can contribute to swelling.

If you do experience swollen hands after washing dishes, it’s recommended to rest and elevate your hands to reduce swelling. Applying a cold compress or soaking your hands in cool water can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation. If the swelling is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or redness, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Cracks In Hands

Dishwashing soap and water can create cracks in hands by:

Stripping the skin of its natural oils: The hot water and harsh chemicals in dishwashing soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more prone to cracking.

Causing dehydration: Prolonged exposure to water can cause the skin to become overly moist, which can lead to dehydration and cracking.

Damaging the skin’s protective barrier: The repeated exposure to water and soap can damage the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage and infection.

Causing irritation and inflammation: The use of harsh chemicals in dishwashing soap, combined with the friction of scrubbing dishes, can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, which can lead to cracking.

Increasing sensitivity: People with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may be more prone to experiencing cracks in the hands after washing dishes due to increased sensitivity and inflammation of the skin.

Ways to stop Dishwashing Water & Detergent Affecting Your Skin

Don’t Use Hot Water

Using really hot water for dishwashing can be harsh on your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and other issues. To prevent these problems and keep your hands healthy, it’s important to avoid using really hot water on your skin while washing dishes. Here are some tips to help you accomplish this:

Adjust the water temperature: Instead of using the hottest water possible, try using warm or lukewarm water for dishwashing. This can help prevent thermal burns and reduce the risk of skin irritation and dryness.

Use A Natural Detergent

Using a natural detergent for dishwashing can be a great way to avoid harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation, dryness, and other issues. Natural detergents are typically made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on the skin, while still effectively removing grease and grime from dishes. Here are some tips to help you choose a natural detergent for dishwashing:

Look for plant-based ingredients: Natural detergents should be made with plant-based ingredients that are free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals like sulfates and phosphates. Look for products that are certified by organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or the USDA Organic Program.

Choose a fragrance-free option: Fragrances can cause skin irritation and other issues for some people, so it’s best to choose a fragrance-free option if possible.

Consider eco-friendly packaging: Some natural detergents come in eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable or compostable containers. This can help reduce your environmental impact while also protecting your skin.

Examples of natural detergent brands: Some examples of natural detergent brands for dishwashing include Seventh Generation, Ecover, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, and Better Life. These brands use plant-based ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.

By using a natural detergent for dishwashing, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of harsh chemicals and keep your hands healthy and comfortable.

Avoid dish soap

While dish soap is essential for cleaning dishes and removing grease and grime, it can also have negative effects on your skin. Here are some reasons why you should avoid using dish soap while washing dishes:

Harsh chemicals: Most dish soaps contain harsh chemicals like sulfates, phosphates, and artificial fragrances that can irritate and dry out your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Stripping natural oils: Dish soap can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and more susceptible to damage and cracking.

Repeated exposure: If you wash dishes frequently, you may be exposing your skin to dish soap multiple times a day, which can further exacerbate the negative effects on your skin.

Alternatives: There are several alternatives to dish soap that can be effective for cleaning dishes, such as baking soda, vinegar, or a natural detergent made with plant-based ingredients.

Using Correct Gloves

Here are some tips for choosing gloves for dishwashing:

Material: Gloves made from latex or nitrile are popular choices for dishwashing, as they are durable and provide a good grip. However, if you have a latex allergy, choose gloves made from a non-latex material like vinyl or neoprene.

Size: Choose gloves that fit snugly but comfortably, so they don’t slip off or interfere with your ability to wash dishes effectively.

Length: Consider the length of the gloves, as longer gloves can provide more protection for your arms and wrists from splashing water and soap.

Brand examples: Some examples of gloves for dishwashing include the Casabella Premium Waterblock Gloves, the Reusable Nitrile Gloves from The Home Depot, and the Mr. Clean Bliss Premium Latex-Free Gloves.

Barrier Cream

Using a barrier cream while washing dishes can be an effective way to protect your hands from the harmful effects of dish soap, water, and other irritants. A barrier cream is a type of lotion or cream that creates a protective barrier on the surface of the skin, which helps to prevent moisture loss and irritation. Here’s how using a barrier cream works well while washing dishes:

Creates a protective barrier: A barrier cream creates a protective layer on your skin that helps to prevent water and soap from penetrating the skin and causing damage.

Prevents moisture loss: By creating a barrier on the skin, the cream helps to prevent moisture loss, which can lead to dryness, cracking, and other issues.

Soothes and moisturizes: Many barrier creams contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter, which can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and damage.

Example of a barrier cream: Mr Bees Manuka barrier cream (Kreme Plus) works very well as a cream while washing the dishes.