Why is it so important for us to wash our hands thoroughly and thoroughly? That, and how you do it right, you will learn here!
Our hands often come into contact with unpleasant germs: whether in the toilet, on public transport or when shaking hands with a cold colleague. Pathogens have an easy game and can endanger not only ourselves, but also all other people we touch or with whom we use the same items. Proper hand washing is therefore the A & O to stop germs and infectious diseases and to eliminate pathogens!
Wash your hands: why?
The transmission for infectious diseases takes place mainly via the hands. Infectious diseases such as diarrhea or flu can be passed quickly from person to person in this way. When we eat or otherwise get in contact with the mucous membranes, the pathogens have a clear path. Therefore, thorough hand washing is mandatory – this significantly reduces the pathogens and they no longer have a chance to do mischief!
Wash hands properly: That’s how it works!
Washing your hands properly sounds so simple – but many people do not take this process seriously enough, so many mistakes have crept in. In general, there are some things to keep in order to get the hands really clean:
- First, keep your hands under running water. Whether the water is warm or cold, does not matter for washing!
- Then the hands have to be soaped extensively . Liquid soap is recommended for this because soap bars can be contaminated with germs! Make sure that the entire hands are rubbed with soap , so palms and back of the hand, every single finger, gaps and fingernails. Important: This process should take about 20 to 30 seconds !
- Then rinse hands thoroughly under running water.
- Dry hands conscientiously – do not forget the gaps! Due to the friction still sticking germs are removed. Note: If the hands are still moist, the microorganisms multiply again.
Wash your hands: What do you have to pay attention to in public washrooms?
Especially public washrooms can be a playground for pathogens, so you should note the following:
- It is best to close the faucet with your elbow or a paper towel after washing your hands.
- Use paper towels for drying (if necessary, a hand dryer is sufficient). Common towels are not recommended as they represent a paradise for germs.
Wash hands: Without or with soap?
Washing your hands without soap is even better than not washing them at all! Basically, you should always use soap , as it brings the following benefits:
- By soaping the germs are released from the fatty film of the skin.
- Distributing the soap additionally reduces the germs mechanically and makes the hands clean.
- Dirt and microorganisms are better removed.
3 Tips: Washing soaps should be pH neutral so as not to attack the acid mantle of the skin. Avoid high water temperatures as they put extra strain on your hands. If necessary apply a moisturizing hand cream!
When should you wash your hands?
After that:
- toileting
- Change diaper
- Contact of garbage
- Coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
- Contact with animals, animal waste or feed
- return home
After that:
- wound treatment
- nursing
- Food preparation, especially with raw meat
In front:
- eat
- taking medication
- Application of cosmetics