One of the most effective personal measures that can be taken against viruses is to wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Although it seems like the simplest thing in the world, “washing hands”, it is not easy to wash hands correctly. You can say how hard it is! hand washing routine; Although it seems to consist of “soap, water and drying”, these are not enough for hygiene.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CLEAN HANDS PERFECTLY?
- 1. Don't neglect your nails: Even if you are careful enough to take the entire 20 seconds to lather your hands, your handwashing routine is ineffective if you don't include your nails in it. Germs can easily stick under your nails. You continue to spread these germs, especially when you touch your face and skin. To clean under your nails, rub the tips of your fingers into the palm of your left hand with your right hand or vice versa. Incorporating this movement into your soap lathering process can help eliminate germs stuck under your nails.
- 2. You Shouldn't Neglect the Backs of Your Hands: In hand washing, especially the backs of the thumbs are the least washed places. Omissions are easy, such as forgetting to rub the backs of your hands for time reasons. So attention should be paid to your hand washing technique to make sure you include this area in the 20-second scrub.
- 3. You Should Rinse Your Hands Enough: After your hands are completely foamy, it is important to rinse them. Foaming soap attracts germs trapped in your skin's oils. If you do not rinse them with running water, the germs will not be shed and will remain on your hands. Soap residue can cause skin irritation. You should rinse your hands thoroughly by rubbing them to make sure the soap is removed from your hands.
- 4. You Shouldn't Neglect Dry Your Hands: Germs can be transferred more easily from wet hands. If you have to handle doorknobs or other potentially contaminated objects with wet hands, you're re-contaminating them with the germs you worked so hard to wash. If possible, use paper towels. Even if you're in a hurry, take the time to let your hands dry completely before touching any surface. Do not touch any surface or yourself until your hands are completely dry.
- 5. Caution When Using Hand Dryers: Hand dryers are not as hygienic as paper towels. In terms of hygiene, paper towels are superior to electric air dryers.
- 6. You Shouldn't Touch the Tap Immediately After Washing Your Hands: If you touch the tap immediately after washing your hands, you can also expose yourself to these germs. Although automatic faucets, which are frequently preferred today, prevent you from touching them, you should be careful about what you touch, especially after washing your hands, in places where there is no automatic faucet. If possible, use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands.
Links: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
Links: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
