The Importance of Washing Hands with Soap and the Right Way to Do It

Washing hands with soap is the best way to stop the spread of germs compared to just using water. This simple habit has proven to be effective in lowering the risk of various diseases. Therefore, it is important to know how to wash your hands properly

The spread of germs through hands often causes disease. Therefore, to increase public awareness of the importance of washing hands, every October 15 is celebrated as World Handwashing Day with Soap.

In addition to raising awareness, this warning aims to prevent people from getting sick and spreading germs to others, as well as reducing the death rate from infectious diseases.

Easy Steps to Wash Hands with the Right Soap

Washing hands is an effective step to protect yourself and your family from disease. According to studies, getting into the habit of washing hands with soap can reduce the number of people with diarrhea by 23–40% and respiratory diseases by 16–21%.

The following are easy steps to wash your hands with the right soap:

• Wash hands with clean water
• Use soap all over the hands, starting from the palms and backs of the hands, between the fingers, to the area under the nails
• Rub hands for 20 seconds
• Rinse hands with water until clean, then dry

Choice of Soap for Hand Wash

You can use any type of soap to wash your hands, but antibacterial or antiseptic soaps tend to be used more often. Sometimes, this type of soap can cause skin irritation for people with sensitive skin.

To work around this, you can use a moisturizer containing petroleum jelly after washing your hands with soap to prevent dry skin and restore moisture to your hands.

If soap and running water are not available, you can use antibacterial wet wipes and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to kill germs on your hands.

The Dangers of Not Washing Your Hands

In general, everyone sometimes touches the eyes, nose and mouth without realizing it. In fact, this actually makes it easier for germs to enter the body through the three areas touched earlier.

In addition, when you eat without washing your hands, germs that are on your hands can also get into drinks and food, whether you are preparing food or eating it. If allowed to continue, the habit of not washing hands can cause diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, and skin and eye infections.

The Importance of Washing Hands with Soap

You are required to wash your hands with soap at all times, especially in the following situations:

• Before and after eating
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating wounds
• Before and after changing baby's diaper
• After using the toilet
• After sneezing or coughing
• After touching trash
• After touching or cleaning animal waste

After knowing the importance of washing your hands with soap, it's a good idea to start practicing it. Don't forget to teach your little one proper hand washing and also other family members.

Washing your hands properly is not just to commemorate Global Handwashing Day, but make hand washing a daily habit to prevent you and your family from getting sick.

That's the importance of washing hands with the right soap. However, if you or a family member experience complaints, such as diarrhea or a runny nose, that don't get better, check with your doctor or family member to get the right treatment.