Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Effective cleansing requires you to pay attention to the method that you use. Proper hand washing technique includes: rubbing your hands thoroughly and vigorously with soap and water for 10-15 seconds, paying particular attention to the areas between your fingers and under your fingernails, rinse off all traces of soap residue and dry off with a single-use paper towel. If you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the taps and open the door. Frequency also matters, so if you are in constant contact with people, wash more often. Remember to finish-off with a moisturizer to protect your hands from dryness, cracking or irritation. Try to find a hand cream that is enriched with vitamins to help reinforce the skins barrier function by sealing in moisture and defending against dryness.
