The Harvard Health Letter published a report this January on the efficacy of good old-fashioned hand washing versus the use of hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial soaps. According to their findings, hand washing with warm water and soap is just as effective as the new methods, if done properly.
But that last phrase, 'if done properly' applies across the board. Traditional hand washing should take about 20 seconds or the time it takes to sing happy birthday. The whole hand should be washed, including the back and between the fingers. It is this method that often fails most. Many people are in a hurry and do not fully wash the whole hand, which leaves behind germs.
And the idea that antibacterial soaps or hand sanitizers are better only holds up if again, the whole hand is washed, and if adequate product is used. The report found that most people who use hand sanitizer do not use enough, and do not cover the whole hand.
The researchers conducted a telephone interview about hand washing. More than 90 percent of adults who answered said they washed their hands after using the restroom, however only 90 percent of women and 75 percent of men actually washed their hands when observed by researchers.
The authors concluded that the old fashioned method of hand cleaning works, but needs to be done properly. Also, hand sanitzers are great, and effective when enough is used and the whole hand is sanitized.
Next time you are finished in the bathroom, time yourself, see if you are getting the whole hand. Perhaps it is time to change your routine.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on January 22, 2007 05:39 PM
