There are a variety of different precautionary measures you should be taking to limit the spread of COVID-19. You’ve probably been working from home, reducing your number of public outings, and wearing cloth face coverings. These are all great steps to take. Another small step that goes a long way is regular handwashing and sanitizing throughout the day. Continue reading to learn from your dentist in Carlisle about the best way to keep your hands clean.
How Do I Wash My Hands Properly?
When washing your hands, it’s important to do it correctly to ensure that you are doing an effective job. Follow these steps:
- Wet: Place your hands under clean running water to get them wet.
- Lather: Apply a generous amount of soap to your hands. Be sure to get the front and back of your hands as well as your fingertips. Continue this for at least 20 seconds. Wash under any jewelry and fingernails.
- Scrub: Rub both of your hands together and use your fingertips to gently scrub.
- Rinse: Place your hands back under the running water to rinse away all of the soap.
- Dry: When you dry your hands, use a disposable paper towel or an air drier. Cloth towels can hold onto germs.
When Should I Be Washing My Hands?
You should be washing your hands all throughout the day. Here are a few examples of when it is a good time to do so:
- After using the restroom
- When returning from public outings
- Before and after treating a wound
- After coughing or sneezing
- After shaking hands with someone
- After using a public computer, phone, or other surface
- Before preparing and eating food
How Do I Use Hand Sanitizer Properly?
If you are unable to wash your hands, sanitizer is a great option. Here is how you use it correctly:
- Check the label of the hand sanitizer bottle to determine how much to use. Apply that amount to the palm of your hand.
- Rub the hand sanitizer around the entirety of your hands. Don’t forget the fingertips!
- Do this for at least 20 seconds or until the hand sanitizer has dried completely.
What Do I Need to Know About Hand Sanitizer?
- Handwashing is always the best way to clean your hands. Sanitizer should only be used if you are unable to wash.
- You shouldn’t use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- Always choose a hand sanitizer that has 60-95% alcohol. If it is too low, it will not be effective against germs and won’t prevent you from becoming ill.
- The alcohol in sanitizers can dry out your skin. If this happens to you, use a moisturizer.
Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick. By constantly washing and using hand sanitizer throughout the day, you can have peace of mind that you are keeping yourself and the people around you safe from COVID-19.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund is a family and cosmetic dentist serving patients in Carlisle, PA. He earned his DMD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He is currently a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. Dr. Neslund and his team are taking 18 additional steps, including washing their hands even more than usual, in order to protect the practice from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (717) 258-5455.