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28 February, 2022

Understand The Key Differences Between Handwashing And Hand Sanitization

Understand The Key Differences Between Handwashing And Hand Sanitization

Washing your hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer are some prevailing measures around the world to curb the spread of infections and stay fit. Due to the pandemic and increased incidences of airborne diseases caused by microbes, maintaining good hand hygiene has become imperative to lead a healthy life. As hands are the main source of transferring viruses into the body. Unlike masks that are generally worn outdoors, hand sanitization or hand washing is to be considered whether outside for work or staying indoors.

However, it has been observed that there is a confusion prevailing in the minds of people about the difference between handwashing and hand sanitization. Are they the same? Which should be practised when? These questions must have struck your mind too. To clear the air, we have covered the key differences between handwashing and hand sanitizing you must be aware of for utmost protection from harmful infections.

Handwashing

Handwashing is very effective in removing physical debris, germs, bacteria, and viruses. Rubbing the hands together creates friction that dislodges the toxins and microbes from the skin and promotes good hygiene.

How to properly wash hands?

To reap the maximum benefits of handwashing, practice the below-mentioned steps carefully:

  • Wet your hands sufficiently. Whether with cold or warm water, be sure to wet your hands with clean water before applying soap.
  • Lather the soap in your hands by rubbing them.
  • Scrub all surfaces of the hands efficiently to eliminate any germs.
  • Rinse your hands again with clean water.
  • Lastly, use a towel to dry your hands.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) asserts that the aforementioned steps are necessary for cleaning hands and keeping germs at bay.

    When should you practice handwashing?

    Wash your hands, especially, during these key times to avert harmful diseases easily.

  • When entering or exiting a food preparation area.
  • Before and after your meals.
  • After using the washroom.
  • After touching frequently contacted surfaces.
  • If you are ill and coughing, sneezing or when your family member is not well, etc.

  • In short, try to wash your hands every now and then to not inhibit viruses in your hands from travelling into your body.

    Hand sanitization

    A hand sanitizer is a great solution to clean germs from hands when soap and water are not readily available. It is easy to carry which makes it a perfect choice when going outside. It consists of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), benzalkonium chloride, and isopropyl alcohol to fight germs powerfully.

    Tips for effective hand sanitizing

    Read on to know the proper ways of hand sanitization to have optimum results.

  • Take a hand sanitizer and apply enough to entirely cover your hands.
  • Next, rub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • Leave the hand sanitizer on your hands after application. Remember to not remove it with water or rub it off on your clothes.

  • For more beneficial outcomes, try to consider a hand sanitizer with at least 60% of alcohol content.

    When should you sanitize your hands?

    Hand sanitizer is useful in the following conditions:

  • In a classroom setting
  • After using the phone.
  • In case soap and water are not available at the moment.
  • An extra precaution over handwashing.
  • When visiting nursing homes or travelling.

  • Keeping your hands disinfected and clean is one of the hallmarks of good personal hygiene. They are efficient in combating germs in hands. Practice them both according to the situation and requirement.

    Moreover, rely on acclaimed hand sanitizers for desirable results and health concerns. For instance, Safekind instant hand sanitizer is potent to kill 99.9% bacteria at a go. You can check the details in-depth on the website.

    Tags : Sanitizer
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    Disclaimer This blog solely intended for the educational/informational/awareness purposes and is not a substitute for any professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional before acting on the information provided on the blog. Reliance on any or all information provided in the blog, is solely at your own risk and responsibility. Mankind Pharma Limited shall not be held liable, in any circumstance whatsoever.

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