HAND-WASHING

Different Levels of Hand Hygiene

There are three recommended levels of hand hygiene that secure cleanliness by discussing the substances used in washing, the length of time for washing and to ensure that the hands are dried properly.

(A) Social Hand Hygiene- Routine Hand Washing

To remove dirt, dead skin, organic material,and most transient organisms, it is recommended to do social (routine) hand washing with soap and warm water. This will be effective to prevent these germs. Alcohol rub is effective in removing transient organisms.

(B) Antiseptic Hand Hygiene

Germ-free hand cleansing with an antiseptic hand wash agent such as Hydrex is generally carried out for aseptic routine washing on the ward and for areas of isolation. It is used in the following:

• During outbreaks of infection where there is contact with blood/body fluids or during situations where microbial contamination is probably going to happen
• In “high” risk areas e.g. isolation, ICU etc.
• Before/after performing an invasive procedure
• Before/after wound care, urethral or IV catheters etc.

(C) Surgical Hand Hygiene

Surgical hand washing requires the removal and killing of transient micro-organisms and substantial reduction and suppuration of the resident flora of the surgical team for the duration of the operation, in case a surgical glove is punctured/torn. Jewelries and watches must be removed before surgical hand disinfection and fingernails should be kept clean and short.

Micro-organisms found on the skin are divided into two types:

(A) Resident microorganisms (normal flora)

These are generally situated in the epidermis, are not promptly expelled and don’t cause diseases. However, during medical procedures, they may enter tissues and lead to disease.

(B) Transient microorganisms

Some organisms that are not part of normal flora can cause infection but can be easily removed with good hand washing techniques. They include Gram-negative bacilli such as E.coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas spp, Salmonella spp., Staph aureus, MRSA and viruses like rotaviruses.

It’s best to wash your hands with soap and water. Follow these steps:

• Wet your hands with running water, either warm or cold.
• Apply liquid, bar or powder soap to a cupped hand.
• Lather well.
• Rub your hands, palm to palm, vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel.
• Use the towel to turn off the fauce

How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are alternatives to  soap and water. Just ensure that the hand sanitizer contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Follow these steps:

• Apply enough of the hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand to wet your hands completely.
• Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, until your hands are dry.

Kids need clean hands, too

Show your kids the importance of hand-washing to encourage them to frequently wash their hands so that they can stay healthy and avoid germs from spreading. Teach them to sing the”Happy Birthday” song twice to keep hands clean.

A simple way to stay healthy

Hand-washing is just a simple way to stay healthy and avoid diseases . By having this habit at home, you can protect your kids from widespread illnesses.