In this covid crisis hygiene has become a priority for everyone.Keeping ourselves clean and washing our hands now and then has become very important to stop the transmission of virus.

We have opted two options for cleaning our hands,one is sanitizer and other is washing with soap and water.But which one is better and why.

It is being said by heath professionals that we should use hand sanitizer but washing hands with soap and water should be first defence option for the following reasons.

• We rub our hands and clean every part of our hand slowly till the lather forms.
• This gives soap enough time to breakdown the virus and bacteria present on our hands.
• When we wash our hands with water the lodged pathogens are washed away leaving our hands clean.
• Also many chemicals and other particles are washed away.
• Whereas when we wash our hand with sanitizer the germs are killed but they continue to stay on our hands.
• We dont spend enough time washing hands with sanitizer.
• And small amout of sanitizer doesnt work effectively.

Now it is important to know when you should wash your hands.

Many of us are not even getting out of our houses then why should be wash our hands frequently at home, right?

No this is a big misconception,even of you are at home you should wash your hands the following times;

• Before and after having and preparing meal.
• After coughing or sneezing.
• When touched anything that has come from outside(eg-groceries,newspaper,milk packet).
• Before and after taking care of someone who is sick.
• After handling pets.
• After using toilet.

What qualities to look in an effective hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizers are not a bad option if you are not at home or when water and soap are not available.Keep in mind the following things when buying or using a hand sanitizer.

• It should not be alcohol free because alcohol free sanitizers have not shown to be effective against bacteria and viruses.
• It should have atleast 60% alcohol in it.
• It should contain ethanol,benzalkonium chloride and isopropanol as active agents.
• These three function in the same manner as soap in killing pathogens.
• When washing hands with sanitizer take enough amount of it and rub it properly for atleast 30 seconds or till it dries off completely.
• Do not wipe it away before it dries.

What is the proper way of washing hands with soap and water?

• Wash your hands first with water then take soap.
• Now rub the soap till it lathers up.
• Close the tap till you rub to avoid the wastage of water.
• Make sure you cover all areas of your hands like between the fingers and inside nails.
• Keep rubbing for 20 seconds.
• To avoid boredom you can sing “Happy Birthday” song 2 times.
• Now wash the latter away and you are good to go.

1. Washing hands too much with soap and water can make you hands chappy but thats okay.
2. In this situation a moisturizer is not a bad idea.
3. After washing hands apply some moisturizer to avoid chapping but do not switch to hand sanitizer even when water and soap are available.