I’ve been having an issue with my hands getting really dry, I’ve only started noticing this the last couple winters. I think it may be due to the rise in popularity of anti-bacterial soap, that combined with the fact that I have to wash my hands so frequently. Last night I started to read the responses to this question:

Help my dry hands! | Ask MetaFilter

The amount of comments to this question were enormous, a lot of redundancy - “I know this has been said before, but I better say it again just in case you didn’t read it above.” Here’s what I learned:

• Keep hyrdrated - drink more water
• Consume more Omega-3s, tablespoon of flax seed oil per day (this reminds me that when we used to have a dog, we’d give him a fish oil pill daily to help keep his coat silky)
• Put lotion on where it’s needed, on the backs and knuckles of the hands - skip the palms and fingertips.
• Use some alternative lotions, more natural products or “goo” instead of lotion. Bag balm, Eucerin, oatmeal stuff, etc.
• Go to sleep with lotion on, perhaps even with gloves on
• Use milder soap/cleanser (less harsh, moisturizing, baby soap, shower gel), stay away from heavy-duty anti-bacterial stuff or anything with alcohol

The comments I really didn’t like were things like:

• See a psychologist about your OCD - too much handwashing. I’m sorry, but people like me (IE - with kids) don’t wash our hands for fun, we do it because we are hygienic. I wash my hands thoughouly with soap and water: after going to the bathroom, after changing a diaper, after working with food (like raw chicken or eggs, etc), after working with chemicals (cleaning solutions, gasoline, etc), after doing “dirty work” (lawn mowing, car repair, etc.), and before eating.
• Only wash your hands after using the bathroom, and only use a quick rinse without soap. Holy crap that’s disgusting. I’ve noticed this at the office - makes me feel like throwing up. I’ll never shake those people’s hands!

Here’s some links for you:

• Wikipedia: Hand washing - “To maintain good hygiene, hands should always be washed after using the toilet, changing a diaper or tending to someone who is sick; before eating; before handling or cooking food and after handling raw meat, fish or poultry. Conventionally, the use of soap and running water and the washing of all surfaces thoroughly, including under fingernails is seen as necessary. One should rub wet, soapy hands together outside the stream of running water for at least 20 seconds, before rinsing thoroughly and then drying with a clean or disposable towel. After drying a dry paper towel should be used to turn off water and open exit door. Moisturizing lotion is often recommended to keep the hands from drying out, should one’s hands require washing more than a few times per day. “
• WebMD: Search on Hand Washing - some good results like, “Many Skip Bathroom Hand Washing,” and, “2 Out of 3 Americans Don’t Wash Hands.” Gross!
• WebMD: Dry Skin and Itching