Handwashing Theory

Hand washing theory is the teaching, as opposed the practice, of the first line of defense against cross contamination of pathogenic microorganisms. The U.S. Center for Disease control maintains that hand washing is one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of disease. Beginning in the 1800s, medical professionals began to implement hand washing rules, which largely reduced in stay hospital fatality counts. In modern times, hand washing is still a critical element of proper hygiene. Cross contamination is still largely to blame for food borne viral infections and cases of hospital disease transference.

Soap

Washing the hands with soap penetrates some of the pathogenic material on the hands and kills some germs. Soap loosens the germs from the surface of the hands to assist the hand washing process. Merely rinsing the hands without using soap does not suffice. The Center for Disease Control does not recommend one type of soap over another.

Water

Water rinses away the loosened germs on the hands. It is not possible to wash hands with water that is hot enough to kill germs because this would create severe burns to the skin. Soap and hand scrubbing together, loosen the germs and dirt. Water that is warm in temperature aids in the process of removing the germs.

Scrubbing

Effective hand washing involves the vigorous rubbing of the hands together, creating a friction that further kills germs while loosening them from the surface of the hands. A portion of hand washing should include interlocking the fingers together to rid the crevices between the fingers of germs. A fingernail cleaning brush used during the hand washing process will remove bacteria lodged underneath the nails. Sanitize the fingernail brush with alcohol prior to use.

Water Faucet

After washing your hands, do not turn the water faucet off directly with your hand. Proper hygiene involves the use of a sanitary towel held between the skin and the faucet handle to avoid germ transference when turning off the water.

Hand Sanitizer

Remove additional germs by using alcohol based hand-sanitizing gel. Hand sanitizers are not a replacement for hand washing. The Center for Disease Control states that hand sanitizer should only be used in addition to hand washing or if hand washing is not a possibility. These sanitizers do not remove much dirt or effectively clean the hands the way that soap, water and scrubbing do.

Sanitary Towel

Reusing the same cloth towel to dry the hands decreases the effectiveness of hand washing. Use of a sanitary disposable towel to dry hands is the proper hygiene method and helps with disease control. Drying the hands with a sanitary towel also removes some of the germs from the epidermal layer because of the additional friction used when rubbing hands dry with the towel. A blower is sanitary, but does not add the additional germ removal that a sanitary towel does.

When to Wash Hands

Always wash hands after bathroom use. Wash hands after the handling of any unsanitary materials such as garbage, diapers, band-aids, meats and any other activity where contamination may occur.

Use proper hygiene by washing hands before eating or preparing food. Healthcare workers must always wash their hands before dealing with each patient.

References

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention