Proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.  Hand hygiene means cleaning hands by hand washing either with water and soap or antiseptic hand rub. It is considered as a primary measure for reducing the risk of transmitting infection.According to global health agency, the most effective way to protect from corona virus is by frequent hand washing with alcohol based hand rub or  with soap and water. Hands should be cleaned after using the restroom, before and after eating, after contact with body fluids, after touching animals or pets or whenever the hands are visibly dirty. Hand hygiene is an important lifetime habit for staying healthy.

Types of Hand hygiene:

1.Hand Washing with Soap and Water:

Wash your hands with soap and water whenever they are visibly dirty, before eating and after using the restroom. Rubbing hands with soap and water can effectively remove dirt and microorganisms on the skin and rinsing out the soap under running water can also relieve irritation to the skin. Therefore, authoritative organizations such the World Health Organization, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water.

How to wash your hands?

When cleaning your hands with soap and water, wet your hands first with water, apply the recommended amount of soap by the manufacturer to your hands, and rub your hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rinse your hands with water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Use paper towel to turn off the faucet. Avoid using hot water, to prevent drying of skin.

2.Using Alcohol based Hand Sanitizer:

According to Emerging Infectious Disease Journal, hand rub formulations recommended by WHO can effectively inactivate the SARS Corona virus 2 when used correctly. The hand rub formulation recommended by the WHO consists of 80 volume percept ethanol, 1.45 volume percent glycerine and 0.125 volume percent hydrogen peroxide or disinfectantconsists of 75 volume percent isopropanol, 1.45 volume percent glycerine and 0.125 volume percent hydrogen peroxide (Inosept H). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most effective products for reducing the number of  viruses on the hands.

How to Hand Rub?

Apply product to the palm of one hand. Rub hands together, making sure that all surfaces of hands and fingers are covered until they are dry (no rinsing is required). This should take around 20 seconds.Use the right amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizer product to clean your hands. The efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer depends on the volume applied to the hands.

Benefits of an Alcohol based Hand Rub:

1. An alcohol-based hand rub is a preferred method for cleaning hands of health care providers,when hands are not visibly dirty.

2. More effective at killing potentially deadly germs on hands than soap.

3. Easy to use during the course of care, especially when moving from soiled to clean activities.

4. Improves skin condition with less irritation and dryness than soap and water.

5. More accessible than hand washing sinks and requires less time.

6. Alcohol  based do not cause antibiotic resistance.

Dr.Kamala D.N.

Medical Advisor (Oral Care)

Group Pharmaceuticals Limited

Bangalore-560055 Ph: 080 2337 6766

Mob:9743412910

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Hand washing is a simple habit, something when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand washing doesn’t take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. As a major preventive advice to corona virus, The World Health Organization-WHO, has asked every one to wash  hands frequently. “Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing  hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands” WHO advice says.

The Dangers of not washing your hands:

Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don’t practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. If you don’t wash your hands frequently, you can infect yourself with  germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch.

Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand -to-hand contact; include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders,- such as infectious diarrhoea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E.coli infection. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms-of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Proper hand washing techniques:

Good hand washing techniques include washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Alcohol –based hand sanitizers – which don’t require water -are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren’t available.

1. Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.

2. Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.

3. Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your finger nails.

4. Rinse well.

5. Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.

 When should you wash your hands?

Although it’s impossible to keep your bare hands germ-free, there are times when it’s critical to wash your hands to limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes.Always wash your hands:

1. After using the toilet

2. After changing a diaper – wash the diaper-wearer’s hands, too

3. After touching animals or animal waste

4. Before and after preparing food, especially before and immediately after handling raw meat, poultry or fish

5. Before eating

6. After blowing your nose

7. After coughing or sneezing into your hands

8. Before and after treating wounds or cuts

9. Before and after touching a sick or injured person

10. After handling garbage

11. Before inserting or removing contact lenses

12. When using public restrooms, such as those in airports, train stations, bus stations and restaurants

Kids need clean hands, too:

Hand washing is especially important for children. Children younger than 3 years in child care are at greater risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, which can easily spread to family members and others in the community. You can help your children avoid getting sick by insisting that they wash their hands properly and frequently. To get kids into the habit, teach by example. Wash your hands with your children and supervise their hand washing.

Dr Ignaz Semmelweis was the first to suggest that doctors wash their hands to prevent spread of diseases. His theory was rejected, he was disgraced and he died in an asylum in 1865.

Dr. Chalapathy
Professor of General Surgery
Vydehi Hospital
Whitefield, Bangalore – 66
Ph: 080-28413381/2/3/4
www.vims.ac.in

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