Hand washing is a crucial practice to maintain personal hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and infections. There are five main types of hand washing techniques recommended by health organizations:
Routine Hand Washing: This is the most common type of hand washing and should be performed frequently throughout the day. It involves washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between fingers, and under nails. This type of hand washing helps to remove dirt, germs, and most common pathogens.
Antiseptic Hand Washing: Antiseptic hand washing is similar to routine hand washing but involves the use of an antiseptic or antimicrobial soap. It is commonly performed in healthcare settings or situations where there is a higher risk of transmitting infections. Antiseptic hand washing is more effective in reducing microbial counts on the hands compared to regular soap and water.
Surgical Hand Washing: This type of hand washing is performed by healthcare professionals before surgical procedures. It is a more intensive process that involves washing the hands and forearms thoroughly using an antimicrobial soap. Surgical hand washing aims to reduce the number of bacteria on the hands and forearms to the lowest possible level to minimize the risk of surgical site infections.
Social Hand Washing: Social hand washing is a simplified version of routine hand washing, often used in educational settings or when access to soap and water is limited. While it may not be as effective as regular hand washing, it can still help reduce the transmission of some germs. It involves washing hands with soap and water for a shorter duration, usually around 15 seconds.
Hygienic Hand Rub (Hand Sanitizing): Hand sanitizing is an alternative to hand washing when soap and water are not readily available. It involves using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. To use hand sanitizer effectively, apply a sufficient amount to cover all surfaces of the hands and rub them together until dry. Hand sanitizers can be useful in situations where hand washing is not possible, but they may not be as effective against certain types of germs as soap and water.
Remember that while hand sanitizers are convenient, washing hands with soap and water is generally considered more effective in removing a wider range of germs, including viruses like the flu and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). It's essential to practice good hand hygiene regularly to protect yourself and others from infections.