Throughout the day, humans accumulate germs and dirt on their hands as they touch objects and other people. Individuals can transfer these substances to others or infect themselves when they touch their face.

Regular hand washing can limit the transmission of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. However, many people do not disinfect their hands properly or for long enough. Washing your hands is an important step not only for your health, but also for the health of your community.

Following thorough hand washing instructions will help ensure proper cleanliness.

• Wet your hands with clean running water.
• Apply adequate soap to cover all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
• Lather up and rub your hands briskly and thoroughly. Be sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
• Scrub your hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands and wrists using clean running water.
• Use a clean towel to pat dry your hands and wrists or allow them to air-dry.
• Turn off the faucet with a towel.

Key Times for hand washing

Washing your hands often can help you and your loved ones stay healthy, especially during these key times when you can pick up and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after food preparation
• Before and after meals
• Before and after caring for someone sick
• Before and after touching a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning the baby
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal/pet, its feed or waste
• After handling the garbage

How to prevent dry or damaged skin when washing hands

Frequent hand washing of dry, irritated, raw skin can increase the risk of infection. Damage to your skin can cause skin flora to change. This facilitates the growth of bacteria on your hands.

Dermatologists advise the following measures to maintain proper hand hygiene and maintain skin healthy:

• Avoid hot water & use a moisturizing soap. Wash off with cool or warm water. Hot water is less effective than warm water, and it tends to be drying. Choose liquid (rather than bar) soaps that have a creamy consistency and contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin.
• Use skin moisturizers. Use skin creams, ointments, and balms that can help you to keep water from leaving your skin. These include moisturizers with ingredients that include:
  
  • occlusives such as lanolin, squalene, mineral oil or caprylic/capric triglycerides
  • humectants, such as glycerin, lactate, or honey
  • emollients, such as aloe vera, isopropyl myristate, or dimethicone
• Apply hand sanitizers with alcohol base that contain skin conditioners. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with humectants help ease skin dryness.