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handwashing
Also see hand hygiene.
Indications:
- hands that are visibly soiled, or potentially grossly contaminated with dirt or organic material, must be washed with liquid soap & water
- handwashing prevents transmission of infection [1]
* hand antiseptic may be superior to handwashing for infection control if hands not visibly soiled
Procedure:
- an effective handwashing technique involves 3 stages: preparation, washing and rinsing, & drying
- handwashing should be of sufficient duration to remove the transient microbial flora (10-15 seconds of soap & friction, preceded by wetting hands & followed by rinsing with running water)
- paper towels recommended for drying hands
Complications:
- excessive hand washing may result in hand dermatitis [3]
Notes:
- handwashing behavior is difficult to sustain [2]
Related
hand antiseptic; hand sanitzer (alcohol-based hand rub)
General
hand hygiene
References
- Luby SP et al.
Effect of handwashing on child health:
A randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2005 Jul 16; 366:225-33
PMID: 16023513
- Pittet D.
Clean hands reduce the burden of disease.
Lancet 2005 Jul 16; 366:185-7.
PMID: 16023493
- Luby SP et al.
Difficulties in maintaining improved handwashing behavior,
Karachi, Pakistan.
Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009 Jul; 81:140.
PMID: 19556579
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17,
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015