'This research shows there is now a skin-disease epidemic within the COVID-19 pandemic.' Nick Beare 1 day ago People both inside and outside the healthcare profesions are reporting dry, flakey hands amid the COVID-19 pandemic. People both inside and outside the healthcare profesions are reporting dry, flakey hands amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing has become a part of our day-to-day lives since the pandemic began last year. But while slathering some form of alcohol — usually isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol — on your hands helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, you may wonder what the implications are for the health of your skin.