which is more effective for washing your hands?

One of the basic rules of hygiene to prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands frequently. The hydroalcoholic gel is supposed to kill viruses and bacteria. But do we really need it?

Kézako: how does soap get rid of dirt? Indispensable in everyday life, the soap has undoubtedly saved many lives, especially with its use in the medical environment. Unisciel and the University of Lille 1 explain to us during this episode of Kézako where his cleaning abilities come from.

About 80% of infectious diseases are spread by hands, through contact with contaminated objects. That is why wash one's hands regularly, especially after traveling on public transport or before meals, is essential.

Hydroalcoholic gel: major disadvantages

The hydroalcoholic gel has the advantage of being easily transportable in the form of a small bottle. But according toWorld Health Organization and the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM), the use of hydroalcoholic solutions and gels is recommended only in the absence of an available water point. Because if thealcohol removes most bacteria and virus present on the skin, it does not " wash »Not strictly speaking, and should not be used on dirty hands or wounds. In addition, most people do not leave the gel dry properly, which reduces its effectiveness. A 2019 study has also shown that hydroalcoholic gel is less effective than washing hands against the spread of flu virus. Finally, excessive use of hydroalcoholic solution dries out the skin, which weakens it in the face of infections.

However, hydroalcoholic solutions are still useful in situations where there is no water, as well as in hospitals and clinics, where professionals cannot spend their time washing their hands between two patient visits.

Water and soap: the simplest reflex against disease

The best reflex against contaminations rest of washing hands with simple soap and water. Hand washing should last a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds. Think of the areas between your fingers and nails. Choose a soap liquid, the soaps solid tending to turn into nests at microbes. On the other hand, soaps labeled antibacterial are no more effective than a lambda soap. And above all, dry your hands with a disposable hand towel, not a cloth that has been used by 100 people before!

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