Just 20 seconds can go a long way towards preventing illness.
Dr. Tania Gonzalez Santiago, a Sanford Health dermatologist, said hand hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself from catching those yearly pesky bugs, like the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 for example.
What to use, when to use it
Dr. Gonzalez Santiago recommends washing with soap and lukewarm water “for at least 20 seconds.”
“Make sure to get between your fingers and around your nails. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, visiting a public place and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing,” she said.
Watch: Step-by-step – washing your hands
When soap and water aren’t available, Dr. Gonzalez Santiago recommends the use of hand sanitizer. The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs.
The CDC also recommends washing your hands:
- Before preparing food
- Before meals
- Before and after treating an open sore, cut or wound
- After using the bathroom
- After touching animals or animal waste
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After handling garbage
- When hands are dirty
- When someone around you is ill
Dealing with dry skin
A higher frequency of handwashing may lead to dry, cracked or inflamed skin. To reduce this risk, Dr. Gonzalez Santiago recommends, “moisturize immediately after washing your hands, while your hands are still slightly damp. It helps lock in the moisture on your skin.”
If you’re using hand sanitizer, as opposed to soap and water, Dr. Gonzalez Santiago said to make sure your hands dry completely before applying the moisturizer.
Related: Teaching kids how to wash their hands
Fingertips and knuckles are higher-risk areas, she added.
“Make sure to get enough moisturizer on those areas.”
Moisturizer is safe
A common misconception is that moisturizing after washing your hands negates handwashing efforts. Dr. Gonzalez Santiago says this is false.
Even if your hands are dry, continue to wash them.
“Some people can develop allergies and the inflammatory conditions of the skin like eczema that can look like dry skin. If nothing seems to be treating your skin, consult a board-certified dermatologist, as you may require a prescription cream or ointment.”
Learn more
- Why do we get sick more in the winter?
- Protect your skin during the summer months with these tips
- Spot and prevent skin cancer ahead of time in the sun
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Posted In Dermatology, Healthy Living
