As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus), we’ve been fielding a lot of questions about soap, handwashing, and irritated skin (from all the washing). We wanted to share a quick overview to those of you who might have some of the same questions.
The CDC and WHO recommend washing your hands often (and then more often) as the best defense against spreading germs. However, if you’re washing with a detergent bar or a commercial soap/gel, excessive washing can cause dry and cracked skin.
Washing with a more nourishing bar like our handcrafted soaps can help keep your skin nourished and sanitary. Excessive dryness can also be eased with a good salve or balm, such as our Miti herbal salve or body butters.
From the CDC’s COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
What about masks, what if I do get sick, and is this a real threat?
First, remember that we are not doctors. We’re soap makers. If you feel sick, call your doctor and listen to their advice. If you’re feeling a (mis)information overload on the virus from all the media coverage, check out this resource that was shared with us. It’s organized in a simple format to help you easily digest the vast amount of information about this epidemic.

More resources and information on handwashing
- Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands? | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. | US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
- Bacterial Hand Contamination and Transfer after Use of Contaminated Bulk-Soap-Refillable Dispensers | US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
- Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water | FDA
Stay healthy and clean everyone!
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