Understanding Hand Hygiene
With various strains of the influenza virus and the COVID-19 virus making the rounds, it is natural that we are all on edge when it comes to staying protected from infections. The World Health Organisation and most medical bodies worldwide are unequivocal in championing hand hygiene for optimum protection.
Washing hands regularly with soap and water is the best practice to remove any germs or pathogens you may have picked up by touching infected surfaces. In places where running water is not available or when washing hands is not feasible, using a hand sanitiser is highly recommended.
When Should I Use Liquid Hand Wash?
Washing your hands with a high-quality hand wash liquid like Dettol is the best way to clean your hands. It physically removes all kinds of germs and pathogens from your skin. It also removes dust, dirt, chemicals, metal residue, dander, and traces of toxic materials you may have come in contact with. Washing hands is recommended before and after the preparation of meals, eating, using the washroom, changing diapers, doing yard work, dusting, taking care of a patient, sneezing or coughing, handling pets, taking out the trash and coming home from school/work. Using Dettol handwash liquid helps retain the moisture content of your hands even after repeated washes and combines hygiene with skin care.
Is Using Sanitiser A Good Idea?
Unlike hand wash liquid, a hand sanitiser does not remove the germs you may have picked up. It effectively kills most bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. The Dettol Clinical Strength Antiseptic Hand Rub kills 99.99% of germs, viruses, and bacteria. A hand sanitiser is ideal for travelling, public transport, and after touching surfaces like handles, knobs, ATM keypads, elevator buttons, and doorbells. It is good when you cannot wash your hands with handwash liquid and soap. It is important to remember that hand sanitisers do not remove dirt, dust, or chemical residue. They only kill germs.
What to Look for in Hand Hygiene Products?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, several brands of hand wash liquids and sanitisers have flooded the market. It is best to pick a brand you trust. The Dettol brand has been synonymous with germ-free protection and hygiene for over nine decades. The Indian Medical Association highly recommends using it.
It is also important to look at the ingredients of the individual product. The Dettol liquid hand wash is made up of 85% naturally derived ingredients and has added moisturisers. It is free from harsh chemicals such as Triclosan, ensuring that your skin is clean and soft at the same time. Most health organisations recommend using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content. The Dettol Clinical Strength Antiseptic Hand Rub contains nearly 70% alcohol and is more effective against germs. It is also enriched with moisturisers to keep your hands soft and supple.
Both washing hands and sanitising them are important to keep infectious germs at bay. It is a good idea to pick the best hand hygiene products for your family’s safety.
