How to Write an Order for Aquaphor for Dry Hands (Self-Administration)
Order Aquaphor ointment (or equivalent petrolatum-based moisturizer) to be applied liberally to both hands at least twice daily after hand washing and at bedtime, with the patient instructed to apply immediately after patting hands dry and to use approximately 2 fingertip units per hand per application. 1
Specific Order Components
Product Specification
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment (petrolatum-based ointment) or equivalent fragrance-free, dye-free, preservative-free moisturizer in tube packaging 1
- Avoid jar packaging to prevent contamination from repeated dipping 1
- Tube packaging is strongly preferred for hygiene and to maintain product integrity 1
Application Instructions
Frequency and Timing:
- Apply at minimum twice daily: after hand washing and at bedtime 1
- Apply immediately after hand washing while skin is still slightly damp (within seconds of patting dry) 1
- Reapply after each hand washing episode throughout the day 1
- For enhanced overnight treatment: apply generously at bedtime followed by cotton gloves or loose plastic food-grade gloves to create occlusive barrier 1
Amount Per Application:
- Use 2 fingertip units per hand (one fingertip unit = amount of product from tip of index finger to first crease) 1
- Spread thin layer evenly across all hand surfaces including between fingers, fingertips, and dorsum of hands 1
Hand Washing Technique (Critical for Preventing Further Dryness)
- Wash with lukewarm or cool water only—avoid hot water which damages skin barrier 1
- Use fragrance-free, dye-free soap without antibacterial ingredients 1
- Pat dry gently without rubbing 1
- Apply moisturizer immediately after drying 1
Enhanced Treatment Protocol for Moderate-to-Severe Dryness
"Soak and Smear" Method:
- Soak hands in plain lukewarm water for 20 minutes nightly 1
- Immediately apply Aquaphor to damp skin 1
- Follow with cotton or plastic gloves overnight 1
- Continue for up to 2 weeks 1
Sample Order Format
"Aquaphor Healing Ointment, tube packaging
Apply liberally to both hands:
- Minimum twice daily after hand washing and at bedtime
- Apply immediately after patting hands dry (2 fingertip units per hand)
- For enhanced treatment: apply at bedtime under cotton gloves
- Patient may self-administer as needed for dryness
- Dispense: 1-2 tubes (3 oz each)
- Refills: as needed"
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Product Selection Errors:
- Do not order products with fragrances, dyes, or preservatives which can worsen irritation 1
- Avoid jar packaging which becomes contaminated with repeated use 1
- Do not recommend antibacterial soaps which are unnecessary and more drying 1
Application Timing Errors:
- Never apply to wet hands—must pat dry first to avoid trapping water and irritants 1
- Delayed application after hand washing (>1-2 minutes) significantly reduces efficacy 1
- Applying before hands are fully dry from alcohol-based sanitizer increases irritation risk 1
Technique Errors:
- Insufficient amount (less than 2 fingertip units) provides inadequate barrier protection 1
- Missing commonly neglected areas: fingertips, between fingers, hypothenar eminence, dorsum of hand 1
When to Escalate Care
Refer to dermatology if: 1
- No improvement after 2 weeks of consistent moisturizer use
- Development of vesicles, weeping, or crusting suggesting allergic contact dermatitis
- Severe fissuring or cracking despite treatment
- Suspected occupational exposure requiring patch testing 1
The American Contact Dermatitis Society emphasizes that immediate moisturizer application after cleansing is the single most important preventive measure for hand dryness, and tube-packaged, fragrance-free petrolatum-based products like Aquaphor represent the gold standard for barrier restoration. 1