Hand-washing is one of those tasks we do on autopilot — but it’s important to make sure we’re doing it right. Proper hand-washing helps limit the spread of germs and infection and can protect us from many illnesses.
Hand hygiene is the process of washing your hands with soap and water to remove dirt, organic material and microorganisms. It’s also important to wash your hands regularly to keep them healthy and free from irritants like chemicals, lotions, or perfumes.
Hand-Washing
Washing your hands is the best way to prevent illness. Research shows that 1 in 3 illnesses caused by diarrhea and 1 in 5 respiratory infections can be prevented with good hand-washing. When washing your hands, it’s important to use clean, running water and soap that contains antimicrobial agents or is designed to kill germs. Then, be sure to rinse your hands with clean water and dry them thoroughly, especially between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Germs love to travel. They can hop on your bare hands and quickly transfer to your eyes, nose and mouth, where they cause sickness. Germs on your hands can also transfer to food and drinks, contaminating them while you prepare or consume them. Unwashed hands can even pick up germs from other objects and transfer them to your family members if they touch them.
It’s hard to overwash your hands. Washing them for the recommended time (about 20 seconds) and thoroughly rinsing and drying them is the best way to get rid of germs. Be sure to wash the backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails, and rub vigorously between your fingers and across your palms. If you don’t have access to clean running water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help reduce bacteria on the skin and hands. 별내디테일링
Hand-Washing
But don’t forget to use an emollient after you finish washing your hands. This will keep your skin from becoming dry and irritated, which can allow the germs to penetrate and stay on your hands longer. 별내손세차
Hand-washing is a simple, effective and inexpensive way to prevent illnesses. It’s the first line of defense against colds, flu, diarrhea, meningitis, and other serious illnesses.
The importance of proper hand-washing was recognized in the 19th century by two pioneers of medicine and public health – Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis and English nurse Florence Nightingale. Today, hand-washing is a global public health initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
You can learn more about hand-washing and find information for specific countries here. This article is part of an ongoing series on healthcare safety and infection control issues. We’re asking experts to share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics related to safe patient care and infection prevention. We welcome your comments and questions!
To suggest an idea for a future article, contact us. For medical professionals, you can also visit our Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page on Universal Precautions.