Disinfect hands properly - hand disinfection instructions

Especially due to the current situation, it is important to pay attention to precise hand hygiene. Not only to keep you healthy, but also to keep friends and family safe. Disinfection is now not only part of doctors’ offices, hospital corridors and retirement homes, but also part of shopping at the supermarket and the routine after the commuter train ride. However, many people still make mistakes when disinfecting, as a result of which even the highest quality disinfectant loses its effectiveness. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips for you.

Proper hand disinfection – instruction

Before we get to our step-by-step instructions, we have general tips for a good disinfection that will clean your skin and protect it from infections.

Much does not help much here!

Or in other words: less is more. In principle, less disinfectant is needed than expected. Three milliliters is considered the optimum. For wall dispensers, this means pressing two to three times, which is enough. Two milliliters can lead to incomplete disinfection, more than three milliliters unnecessarily attack the protective layer of the skin.

The right disinfectant

Use a disinfectant that suits your skin and needs. As an allergy sufferer, pay particular attention to preservatives and fragrances. Synthetic ingredients can sometimes cause unpleasant skin reactions. So if you know that you have sensitive skin – and not only then – the following applies: Eyes open when buying disinfectant.

If you not only want to clean your skin, but also care for it, we would like to recommend the Wiesenberg hand disinfectant. This is because – unlike many other products – does not dry out the skin, but protects it.

Problems due to too much disinfection

Even though disinfectants are reliable aids for cleaning hands, they should not be used too often. Skin problems caused by disinfection are actually known mainly to nursing staff who often have to disinfect their hands. But too much disinfection damages the skin’s natural acid mantle, which is actually supposed to keep pathogens out. The damage to the protective layer makes it more permeable, the skin becomes cracked, rough and also more susceptible to pathogens. An effect that should not be encouraged if possible.

Hygienic hand disinfection – instructions

So now that you’ve put disinfectant in a palm, you can simply follow these step-by-step instructions, which also make great reminders on the bathroom cabinet. The result is perfectly cleaned hands.

Step 1

Bring one palm to the other and rub the disinfectant. Attention: do not forget the wrists.

Step 2

Apply disinfectant to the back of the left hand with the right hand and vice versa.

Step 3

Interlace your fingers and spread them so that you can disinfect the sides of your fingers in one simple motion.

Step 4

Form a fist with the fingers of one hand and stroke it with the other hand so that there is also disinfectant there.

Step 5

Hold the thumb in the palm of the other hand and rotate it.

Step 6

Do not forget the fingertips. Guide them closed over the palm of the other hand.

Hygienic hand disinfection – the instructions of the RKI

Basically, for the step-by-step instructions, each movement should be performed on both sides and five times each. On most disinfectants you will find an exposure time of 30 seconds, which should be followed. With five seconds per step you are perfectly on time and get the best possible result.

Recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute

In principle, the Robert Koch Institute recommends following the rub-in technique – as described above -, adhering to the exposure time and ensuring that the disinfectant is effective against enveloped viruses. In addition, skin problems should be treated directly so that the disinfectant can work well the next time. The Robert Koch Institute also recommends disinfectants containing alcohol, as their mode of action is little limited by other substances. In addition, the appropriate disinfectant should be used on dry hands, because dilution by water or drops of sweat will alter the effect.

Conclusion

With three milliliters of virucidal disinfectant you rid your hands not only of bacteria, but also of viruses. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll get a seamless clean that will protect not only you, but your loved ones from infection. Stay healthy!