The Truth about Handwashing

In recent years there has been a rise in the sale of hand sanitisers, antibacterial soaps and wipes etc and it is easy to become confused as to what is the best way to prevent infection. The easiest and best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands frequently and properly.
Always wash you hands before preparing or eating food,  after blowing your nose or coughing into your hand, using the toilet or changing nappies, touching an animal or emptying bins. Of course, it goes without saying that you should always wash your hands if they look dirty!

The correct method of washing your hands is:

• Wet hands with running water
• Apply liquid soap
• Lather well
• Rub your hands in the 7 step sequence shown below

• Rinse well and dry with clean paper towels

There are many misconceptions about handwashing. Here are three myths that you should know about handwashing :

•    Hot Water is better than cold water to wash hands.

In fact, scientists have found that hotter temperatures are no better in reducing bacteria. And further, hot water may instead increase the “irritant capacity” of some soaps , causing dermatitis.

• Antibacterial soap is more effective than ordinary soap

In fact, scientists have found that antibacterial soap is no more effective than ordinary soap and prolonged use may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the antimicrobial agents and harder to kill in future.

•   Hand Sanitisers are better than soap to kill germs 

In fact soap and water is the best defence against the spread of infections. Repeated and prolonged use of hand sanitisers can contribute to the development of dermatitis.

For more information on SureCare go to http://www.surecarewarks.co.uk/