Washing Your Hands – Think You’re Doing it Right? Check Here to Be Sure.

It is widely known that hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from spreading germs and getting sick. And in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s all the more important that we do so regularly and thoroughly.

Though hand washing is a fairly basic skill, an insufficient effort can leave opportunities for germs to spread. Learning the proper way to wash hands most efficiently enables us to develop good habits going forward.

Here’s the proper way to ensure maximum hand washing hygiene, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

1. Wet hands with clean running water 

   Using water from an open faucet is recommended, rather than washing hands with standing water such as in a basin or tub, which may contain germs or bacteria that can re-contaminate the hands. 

   The temperature of the water may be cold or warm, according to your preference. 

2. Apply soap and build up lather

   Lathering your hands with soapy water is important, as the scrubbing of the skin creates friction that helps to lift germs and contaminants from the skin.

   According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), using soap labeled as “antibacterial” has been found to be no more effective than non-antibacterial soap, so either type of cleanser is suitable.

3. Scrub all surfaces of the hands

   This is the most important part: take care to scrub ALL surfaces of the hands, wrists, and even forearms that have come in contact with frequently touched surfaces. A few often-overlooked areas are the thumbs, the backs of the hands and under the fingernails.

   A common question is “how long should I wash my hands for a thorough cleansing?” While there are few studies on the health impacts of varied handwashing times, the generally adopted recommendations for hand washing are between 20 and 30 seconds. (Some opt to sing the birthday song twice to gauge this time frame.)

4. Dry hands thoroughly

   When drying your hands, use a fresh, clean towel or disposable paper napkin. If neither of these are available, air drying is recommended, as the use of any towel or cloth that has been used by others may re-contaminate the hands after washing.

Even though hand washing is a simple step to take throughout the day, the benefits can be substantial when it comes to preventing the spread of germs and disease.

Try to develop a consistent daily routine of washing hands thoroughly before and after eating & drinking, each time you visit the lavatory, and after coming in contact with any surfaces that are touched by multiple persons, such as gasoline pumps, elevator buttons or public door handles.

If You Live with Chronic Pain, You Can Visit Our Pain Doctors without Worrying About Safety

At Florida Pain Relief Centers, we take extensive precautions to protect staff and patients from exposure to COVID-19. Our clinics are thoroughly sanitized, and we follow all recommended protocols for preventing the spread of coronavirus. So, you don’t have to suffer needlessly for fear of going out during the pandemic.

Let the expert pain management physicians at Florida Pain Relief Centers work with you to determine the cause of your pain and develop an individualized treatment plan to relieve your suffering. No matter what comes your way, you’ll be in a better position to cope with it once your pain is under control.

To consult with our pain specialists, call Florida Pain Relief Centers at 800.215.0029 or click the button below to schedule your visit online.