Dr Kapoor suggests following certain rules at home. Your first line of defence is to wear gloves, which will also keep your hands dry. "Latex gloves can cause skin allergies, so opt for plastic or vinyl ones. Gloves should be dry from the inside before you wear them. If you don’t have gloves, improvise with a plastic bag or a garbage bag. Post chores, wash your hands with lukewarm water or water at room temperature as hot water can dry out the skin. There is no need to reach for the antibacterial soap every time you are done with the cleaning; keep a moisturising soap or hand wash with ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter as it hydrates the skin. Wash your hands each time you come in contact with outside matter, or if you sneeze, cough, or touch products used by others."

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Detergents and dishwash can cause scum to accumulate under the nails. "Don’t use your nails as tools to scratch, pick or clean. Do not cut your cuticles but use a cuticle remover or pusher to keep the them neat, this will help maintain healthy skin. Moisturise your hands when they feel dry. If you have dry skin, opt for an ointment instead of a cream as they hydrate the skin, regenerate the skin barrier and heal.

Watchful and careful

"Fix timings for household chores; do the dishes twice/once a day. Clean the bathroom before taking a shower," she adds. Use fragrance-free and dye-free products that are gentler on the skin. Apply a moisturiser immediately after washing your hands and post finishing a cleaning chore, every single time. "Applying moisturiser does not make your skin prone to infection or contracting a disease and does not impact the effectiveness of cleansing," says Dr Kapoor. Hydrate your nails by using vitamin E or cuticle oil, or just a moisturiser.

Manicure at home

Nail care

Sana Dhanani, founder and managing director, The White Door India

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