The benefits of handwashing
Dr Andrew Nguyen
Article Date: 20/05/2024
Handwashing isn't just a mundane task; it's a powerful tool in the fight against infections. Let's delve into why it's so important and how it works.
A Historical Perspective
The story of handwashing's importance begins in the early 19th century with Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis. He observed a stark difference in mortality rates between two clinics—one where handwashing was practised and another where it wasn't. Despite his groundbreaking findings, he faced disbelief and ridicule, tragically ending up in an asylum and dying from gangrene. However, his legacy lives on, as we now recognise handwashing as a cornerstone of infection control.
Understanding How Handwashing Works
Our hands can harbour many types of bacteria and viruses, some of which can cause illness. Handwashing disrupts their ability to spread. When we wash our hands, the combination of friction, soap, and water physically removes these germs from our skin. Soap further aids by breaking down the protective layers of bacteria and viruses, rendering them harmless. Similarly, alcohol-based sanitisers can effectively kill germs within seconds of application.
How long should we wash hands for?
Research suggests that washing hands for at least 30 seconds yields the most notable reduction in bacteria or viruses. This timeframe allows for thorough cleansing, ensuring that all surfaces of the hands are cleaned and creating friction to remove the superficial skin cells that carry the bacteria or viruses. Interestingly, some studies indicate that alcohol sanitisers may achieve similar efficacy in shorter durations (even as short as 10 seconds), but further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
Why Handwashing Matters Beyond Pandemics
While handwashing received heightened attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, its importance extends far beyond such crises. Regular hand hygiene is critical for preventing a wide range of infections, from the common cold to more severe illnesses. Despite advancements in medicine and technology, handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective measures we can take to protect ourselves and others.
Conclusion
In essence, handwashing is a simple yet potent act that can safeguard our health and well-being. By incorporating it into our daily routines and ensuring we wash thoroughly for the recommended duration, we can significantly reduce the risk of infections and promote a healthier environment for all. So, let's lather up, scrub in, and keep those bugs at bay—one handwash at a time.
If you’re interested to seek out more specific information and advice on hand hygiene, you may wish to visit the following useful websites and articles. This is not a comprehensive list, so you should seek further peer-reviewed information or expert advice:
NSW Department of Education - Hand washing: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/pdhpe/pdhpe-curriculum-resources-k-12/pdhpe-k-6-curriculum-resources/hand-washing”
Pires D, Soule H, Bellissimo-Rodrigues F, Gayet-Ageron A, Pittet D. Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Hand Rub: How Long Is Long Enough? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2017 May;38(5):547-552. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.25. Epub 2017 Mar 7. PMID: 28264743.
Shi C, O'Donoghue M, Yang L, Tsang H, Chen J, Zou J, Qin J, Mak YW, Pittet D, Xie YJ, Lai T, Li C, Cao J. Factors associated with hand washing effectiveness: an institution-based observational study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2023 Aug 30;12(1):85. doi: 10.1186/s13756-023-01293-1. Erratum in: Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2023 Sep 29;12(1):107. PMID: 37649107; PMCID: PMC10469426.
Öncü E, Vayısoğlu SK. Duration or technique to improve the effectiveness of children' hand hygiene: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Infect Control. 2021 Nov;49(11):1395-1401. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.03.012. Epub 2021 Mar 24. PMID: 33774105.