Global Handwashing Day Dos and Don'ts: Here's Where You Are Going Wrong with Washing Hands Correctly and Why

For people who think that handwash is too small a subject to have a whole day dedicated to it, guess what? October 15 is celebrated as Global Handwashing Day. The day aims at increasing awareness about one of the most undermined hygiene habits- Handwashing. Many may think how can there at all be wrong ways to wash hands, isn't it the simplest things to do? But that's not true. A lot of people succumb to various illnesses because of not washing their hands right. The day aims at understanding the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Washing hands correctly is extremely critical in terms of preventing diseases such as diarrhoea, flu and various other infections. Not washing your hands the right way won't let you get rid of the germs that can enter your system via your food making you sick. Moreover, it is also important to create awareness about handwashing is because a lot of people do not have access to basic necessities required to clean their hands the right way. It is important to use soap while washing your hands to get you hands perfectly clean. Here's a list of  handwashing dos and don'ts that everyone should follow:

Dos

• • Start with wetting your hands thoroughly under clean running water. Make sure to moisten each and every part of the hand.
  • Use mild soap or handwash liquid to work up a rich lather.
  • Add a little water once again to loosen the lather to best remove the dirt and germs.
  • Rub your hands for 20 seconds minimum.
  • Make sure to clean each and every area of your hand right from the palms to the back of hands. Don't forget the area in between the fingers and under the nails.
  • Rinse your hands thoroughly using a dry towel or air dryer.

Don'ts

• Don't use too hot or too cold water to wash hands. It may affect your skin causing dryness and itching. It may also promote chapping of the skin, making it more susceptible to bacteria.
• Don't compromise on the lathering step. If you let water run over your lather you are making hand washing less effective.
• Don't leave the tap knob smeared with lather that may contain bacteria.
• Don't touch the sink surface after washing your hands.
• Don't leave lather on your skin, rinse thoroughly.
• Don't avoid handwashing before eating your food, especially if you eat using your hands.

If by any chance you are unable to use soap or handwashing liquid you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This kills maximum bacteria present in your hands. Remember that in no case you must avoid handwashing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2019 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).