Hand Hygiene
Have you ever seen the 1991 movie with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, “What About Bob?”? Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) struggles with multiple phobias. Like many movies, it has not aged perfectly. At times, it makes mental illness look like a simple and easily cured condition; however, if you simply enjoy the silliness of the situations and appreciate that we all struggle, it’s a good laugh. This movie is a family favorite. I remember going to the theater and watching it, and when Bob Wiley used a handkerchief to open doors at the start of the movie, my brother, father and I could not stop laughing. Why? Because my mom had been doing that for years much to our embarrassment. The day she discovered Purell hand sanitizer was one of her happiest. Now, in 2020 with a global novel coronavirus pandemic, my mom and Bob Wiley do not look so ridiculous.
It was in the 1840’s that medical providers first realized the importance of hand washing. Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, had a strong focus on hand washing and the importance of cleanliness to promote healing. Today, in the United States, the importance of cleanliness and hand hygiene are mostly taken for granted, but it does not hurt to visit this topic.
The point of hand washing or sanitizing is to get bad germs (bacteria or viruses) that may be harmful to us off our hands before we infect ourselves. Decontaminating your hands is especially important after using the bathroom, after working outside or with something particularly dirty or germy, and also before food prep, cooking and eating.
Typically, the best method to get germs off your hands is good old fashioned warm water, soap and scrubbing. Visibly dirty hands should always be cleaned with soap and water. Yet, even some germs you cannot see also require the action of scrubbing your hands to be neutralized. For example, the spores of a bad bacteria, Clostridium difficile (Cdiff), which mostly attacks people with compromised immune systems, is not killed by alcohol-based handrubs, or hand sanitizer. The physical action of the scrubbing is what breaks down the spores of Cdiff, wiping them out. This explanation demonstrates the importance of effective handwashing with vigorous rubbing for at least 20 seconds (two “Happy Birthday” songs).
A strong alternative when you cannot get to a sink is alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Some important points about hand sanitizer:
Hand sanitizer is regulated as an over-the-counter drug by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Safe and effective hand sanitizer is made from at least 60% ethanol or ethyl alcohol. Anything containing methanol or 1-propanol can be toxic. Be careful! There is a growing list of hazardous hand sanitizers out there.
It is not recommended to make your own hand sanitizer. The shortages earlier in 2020 have lessened, and incorrectly made hand sanitizer may be toxic or ineffective. Neither possibility is a good one.
While some benzalkonium chloride based hand sanitizers (non-alcohol based) may kill germs, only ethanol based hand sanitizers are recommended by the FDA.
To properly use hand sanitizer, put an amount sufficient to thoroughly cover your hands (fronts, backs, fingers) and rub it all over like you are washing your hands with soap and water until it dries. Do not wipe off excess or stop rubbing before your hands are dry.
Bottomline: Keep your hands clean with soap and water when you can, or use safe hand sanitizer when that’s not possible.
All this information can be overwhelming and confusing even when talking about something as simple as hand washing. Still have questions? I am here to help and provide clarity. Contact me today to learn more ways I can support your health.
Kate Bender is a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Nurse Practitioner. She knows, firsthand, life is messy and hard. Sometimes people need support and help from a professional. When working with Kate, your mental health will be compassionately addressed in a manner that honors your mind, body, and spirit. She lives with her family on the shoreline in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.