I just grated my hand :(

[ElleDubloo]

I don't know if this is a common problem or if I'm particularly careless. Anyway, a couple of months ago I started maternity leave and am now effectively a SAHM looking after a toddler and waiting for the new baby to come along. I'm enjoying it but the thing that upsets me most is the state of my hands! I know it sounds silly. But there are so many scratches, burns, cuts, scrapes... The backs of my hands are red and flaky from the constant hand-washing and drying. I guess the cold weather doesn't help. A couple of weeks ago I even got a serious finger infection that required antibiotics.

I didn't exactly have a desk job before - I had a fairly hands-on job in a hospital, but nothing compared to full-time housework! My hands have always been fairly nice and soft. Now they're a complete mess.

Any tips? I moisturise several times a day but it just doesn't solve the problem.

double moisturising: a light moisturiser that sinks in quickly and then a thick one on top. mornings and evenings.
wear gloves. outside when cold and marigolds for anything to do with cleaning.
use bar of soap instead of liquid soap to wash hands and moisturise each time.

I sympathise. My thumb started bleeding as it was so dry with constant hand washing.

Coconut oil is great for hands - especially before bed. Also almond oil for nails and cuticles. I put hand cream by every sink and on the coffee table to remind me to use it.