mistakes made in hand washing Image Credit source: Getty Images
Handwash Mistakes: Most bacteria are produced in the hands. Because we use hands everywhere and for every work. In such a situation, it has been said that it is necessary to wash hands from time to time. But does just washing hands reduce bacteria? No…it is not like that. Even today, people make some common mistakes while washing hands, due to which their hands are not completely clean. This is the reason why many people and children fall ill even after washing hands. In such a situation, it is important to understand where the mistake is happening.
Actually, the problem may not lie in the habit of washing hands but in doing it wrongly. Mistakes like washing hands for too short a time, neglecting to clean between fingers and nails, or touching contaminated surfaces immediately after washing hands can increase the risk of infection. Let us know what is the right way and time to wash hands.
Also read: What happens if you stick out your tongue for 40 seconds every day? The benefits are surprising
Hands can spread more infection than you think
Most people believe that the infection spreads mainly through coughing, sneezing or crowded places. But many common diseases also spread through dirty hands. When we touch our mouth, nose, food or surrounding things with contaminated hands, the infection can easily reach the body. Diseases like common cold, flu, diarrhea and typhoid can spread through this route. Despite this, people often consider only the clean appearance of hands as cleanliness.
According to health experts and studies, the habit of washing hands properly can reduce the risk of infection to a great extent. According to statistics, regular and proper handwashing can reduce the cases of diarrhea by 23 to 40 percent. At the same time, the risk of diarrhea can reduce by 58 percent in people with weak immune system. Apart from this, there has also been a 16 to 21 percent reduction in the cases of respiratory diseases like cold and cough.
Do you wash your hands often enough?
While washing hands, many people clean their hands with water only for a few seconds, but this is not enough. Experts say that hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. While washing hands, it is important to thoroughly clean the palms as well as the back of the hands, the space between the fingers, knuckles, thumbs, ends of the fingers and wrists. These are the parts that people often ignore.
Apart from this, it is also important to dry them thoroughly after washing hands. Germs can easily stick and spread on wet hands. At the same time, wet towels being used for a long time can also cause re-infection.
When is it necessary to wash hands?
The right time for hand washing is as important as the right technique. Hands should be washed before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after coming in contact with a sick person, after touching garbage and after touching animals or high-touch surfaces of public places.
