Hand hygiene: The central factor for infection protection

The environment surrounding us is flooded with microscopic organisms and other potential dangers which may not be visible to the naked eye, and hence maintaining proper hand hygiene becomes the key to effectively protecting oneself and others from acquiring infections. When not done properly, a multitude of microbes may be left present on hands, posing significant risks.

• Harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and C. difficile may linger on hands causing various infections.
• Viruses such as Influenza virus, Norovirus, SARS-CoV-2 easily reside on improperly sanitized hands, leading to respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Fungi like Candida species thrive on hands, resulting in Candidiasis and other fungal infections.

Individuals can significantly mitigate the risk of infections with the below tips:

1. Handwashing: Removes germs and reduces the microbial colonization of the skin.

 Do’s: 
• Always wash hands with soap and water before preparing food, after blowing your nose, after touching your pet or whenever they are visibly soiled for at least 20 seconds.
• Dry hands completely with a clean towel after washing.

Don’ts:
• Touch the face (nose/mouth), as these are prone to inviting germs into the body through direct hand-to-face touch.
• Consider hand sanitizers as a substitute for handwashing when hands are visibly soiled.
• Allow your nails to grow long, leading to the accumulation of dirt.

A ten-year study conducted at a 1000-bed hospital, involving over 3500 employees, found no reported allergies in people that used the alcohol-based hand disinfectant. Frequent handwashing can have negative effects such as dry skin, damage to the skin or contact dermatitis. However, ABHR with emollients, recommended by the WHO, result in significantly less skin irritation and dryness as compared to soaps. It is important to use hygienic hand disinfectants that meet EN 1500 standards for efficacy; preferably those with a high alcohol content for superior effectiveness and protection.

2. Hand Disinfection: Hygienic hand disinfection involves rubbing alcohol-based preparations on dry hands for 30 seconds to deactivate microorganisms on the skin’s surface that meet contaminated objects. It achieves higher reduction factors (>5 log10) than hand washing, has better skin tolerability and can be done without water. 

Do’s:
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the hand disinfectant label for effective use.
• Rub an adequate amount for at least 30 seconds (compliant with EN1500), covering the palms, dorsum, fingers, and under the nails–especially after using the restroom, in public places, coughing, or sneezing.
• Encourage others around you to practice hand disinfection to prevent the spread of germs.

Don’ts:
• Neglect hand hygiene, even with gloves.
• Touch face with infected hands.
• Use hand rub on injured or wet skin.
• Reduce the volume below label recommendations.

Sterillium®, has been awarded the esteemed title of “Brand of the Century” for the third consecutive time and is renowned for its effectiveness in hand disinfection. Sterillium has a 58-year history in combating emerging microbes such as NIPAH, Swine flu, Ebola, COVID-19, Monkeypox, and other threats like AMR. This highly efficient formula is manufactured in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia, using the highest purity of alcohol combined with skin emollients that increase skin hydration by 30%. It is the preferred choice among healthcare workers in India & worldwide.

Promoting empathy can be a powerful force in encouraging hand hygiene compliance and creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone. RW Science and HARTMANN GROUP have established a quality benchmark for infection control, offering a comprehensive range of hand disinfectants and scientific training solutions. By following established protocols and fostering empathy, we can work together to make hand hygiene an ingrained and effortless habit, protecting the well-being of HCW’s, patients, and the community.

Your hands matter and we care for helping hands!