October 15th is Global Handwashing Day. Proper handwashing is essential for maintaining health and is one of the most effective, convenient, and economical ways to prevent infectious diseases. But how much do you really know about handwashing?
"The best way to wash your hands is to rinse them with running water and then use detergent to remove dirt and kill germs for a deep clean," said Du Na. She added that there is a "seven-step secret" to the correct way to wash your hands, namely, "applying strong pressure from the inside and outside of the wrist."
The first step is to wash your hands. Wet your hands with running water, apply hand sanitizer, and rub your palms together with your fingers interlocked.
The second step is to wash the back of your hands and between your fingers. Rub your palms and the backs of your hands together along the spaces between your fingers, then repeat with the other hand.
The third step is to rub the palms and between the fingers. With palms facing each other, cross your hands and rub them together along the spaces between your fingers.
Step 4, Bow – Wash the backs of your fingers. Bend each finger joint, make a half-fist, and place the backs of your fingers in the palm of your other hand to rotate and rub. Repeat with the other hand.
Step 5: Wash your thumbs. Hold the thumb of one hand with the other and rotate and rub it. Repeat with the other hand.
Step 6: Stand up and wash your fingertips. Bend each finger joint, bring your fingertips together in the palm of your other hand and rub them in a circular motion. Repeat with the other hand.
Step 7, Wrists – Wash your wrists and arms. Rub your wrists and arms, alternating hands.
Duna suggests that the entire handwashing process should last at least 20 seconds, and it is best to dry your hands with a clean personal towel or disposable paper towel after washing.
"When washing hands with running water, it is recommended to use hand sanitizer as the first choice for washing," said Du Na. She explained that sharing soap and bar soap with others could lead to cross-infection. Hand sanitizer bottles are completely sealed, preventing hand contact with the liquid itself and thus reducing the risk of cross-infection.
Can I use hand sanitizer instead of washing my hands? Duna says that using hand sanitizer always leaves residue on the surface of your hands, and it can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin, leading to dryness. Some people may also experience skin allergies. Therefore, it's best to use it sparingly. Furthermore, wet wipes cannot replace handwashing. No matter how many times you wipe your hands, it cannot completely remove pathogens from the skin's surface.
