Many people do not acknowledge the importance of proper hand hygiene until a catastrophe occurs. Washing your hands does not only wash away grime and dirt but also those invisible germs. It is essential to use both soap and a hand sanitiser correctly. Noticeably dirty hands need water and soap for cleaning. But, following it up with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can eliminate germs that cause diseases to occur.
Practice Good Hand-washing Habits
You can never go wrong when you get into the habit of good hand hygiene using water and soap. Do not forget to use hand sanitizer as well to kill most germs. Health experts strictly recommend washing up during these critical scenarios:
- Before you eat food
- After you use the toilet
- After you touch garbage
- After you touch an animal or animal feed
- Before and after you care for someone who is ill
- After you clean up a kid who has used the toilet or change diapers
- After you touch pet food or pet treats
- After you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose
- Before and after you treat a wound
- Before, during and after food preparation
Throughout the day, make sure that your hands are always dry and clean. Be extra careful when you go outside your house and come in contact with hand railings, doorknobs, subways, or use public toilets.
Correct Way to Clean Your Hands
You have antibacterial soap, liquid soap, and other types of bath soap plus your hand sanitiser, but do you know how much and how long you should wash those hands? Regardless of the products and brands you use, what is more, important is that you use them properly for effective cleaning.
When using soap and water, scrub all areas of your hands meticulously, not less than 20 seconds. The general rule of thumb is to sing the birthday song a couple of times. When it comes to using a hand sanitiser, apply it all on your hands and scrub all over until they are dry.
People tend to only clean their palms when washing quickly, which is not a good habit for hand washing. You should also include under your nails, between the fingers, and the back of both hands. Make sure to use a bit of friction while doing so. When it is time to rinse the soap on your hands, do it thoroughly and let them dry.
Do Frequent Washing Irritate or Hurt Your Skin?
The skin is the first line of defense against illnesses and diseases, so it is vital that you do your part in protecting your skin. Make sure it is free of a wound, including your hands. You can prevent dryness and irritation from frequent hand washing by wetting your hands first before putting soap on them. Dry your hands properly by patting them on the towel instead of rubbing them. You may apply lotion afterward for that extra moisture. Moreover, you can find lots of alcohol-based hand sanitizers that come with emollients, reducing the risk of skin irritation.
Viruses and bacteria can spread easily, and your hands are the vehicle for them. Poor hand hygiene makes it possible for these harmful microorganisms to thrive and cause illnesses. Fortunately, there is a cheap method of eliminating them and keeping your hands fresh and dry. Simply put, wash your hand and use a hand sanitiser at critical times and in every possible opportunity.
Author Bio:
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
