How often do you wash your hands?
1 in 5 people don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet and 40 per cent of people wash their hands for less than 10 seconds which is half the time required to effectively kill germs, according to new research.
With the average person carrying over 10 million bacteria on their hands alone, this is big news in the battle to prevent bacteria and virus spread.
The research showed that nearly half of the people interviewed for hand hygiene experts Cuticura, are not washing their hands properly and aiding the spread of harmful germs. Dr Lisa Ackerley, a leading hygiene expert recommends that people wash their hands with warm water and soap or an anti bacterial hand-wash for at least 20 seconds, yet the research shows people are cutting that time by 50 per cent.
According to Dr Ackerley good hand hygiene has the potential to reduce the risk of diarrhoeal disease by up to 47 per cent and save a million lives worldwide. But it seems the nation is too busy to keep clean, as the research revealed that over 10 per cent simply splash their fingertips or just give a quick rinse when washing their hands. Worse still men are twice as likely not to use any soap at all.
The study also found that a quarter of Brits only wash their hands between three to five times a day, far less than the recommended eight to 10 times.
Hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley said: “I would recommend washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap or anti bacterial hand-wash, ideally for a minimum of 20 seconds. Be sure to dry your hands properly after washing as harmful bacteria spread more easily on wet or damp hands. Hand washing is an easy way to protect yourself and others from infectious diseases. It should always happen after using the toilet, handling raw meat or vegetables, before eating, and in many other circumstances when hands become dirty. It’s likely you would need to wash your hands around 8-10 times per day.”
Dr Ackerley’s top five tips for healthy hands
- 1. When cleaning your hands remember to pay special attention to your fingertips and nails, as this is where most germs can be found. False or long fingernails are more likely to harbour harmful bacteria than shorter, natural nails because they are longer and are more difficult to keep clean.
- 2. The best way to reduce the spread of germs that cause colds and flu is not to cover your mouth with your hands when coughing or sneezing but use your upper arm or elbow if a tissue is not available. Remember, more germs are spread by shaking hands and touch than kissing!
- 3. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitiser/serum if soap and water are not available before feeding your baby – even if breast feeding, you could put harmful bacteria around your breast as you are preparing to feed.
- 4. On average, a working adult touches as many as 30 objects every 60 seconds so remember to wash your hands before having lunch, especially if it is a quick bite at your desk!
- 5. Recent research has found that mobile phones are covered with up to 18 times more living bacteria than the flush handle on a men’s lavatory! Something to think about when you are out and about calling or texting friends and family.
Despite the low percentage of Brits washing their hands properly, 1 in 10 people choose to avoid using public transport for fear of germs. The thing people fear the most is using public toilets, followed by touching door knobs and flushing the toilet.
For longer lasting protection at home, Cuticura’s NEW Anti Bacterial Hand Wash uses 3 hour technology to ensure hands stay clean and safe for care free living. The clinically proven formulation tackles even the toughest bacteria and kills 99% of germs, to leave hands feeling soft, clean and protected. The easy palm-pump is designed for comfort and convenience so there’s more time for fun! Available in three fresh and fruity fusions, Lime and Bamboo, Black Pepper and Pomegranate and Ginger and Manuka Honey priced at £2.49 RRP from Sainsbury’s Superdrug and independent pharmacies.
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