Proper hand drying is an essential step in hand hygiene. Moist hands can harbor bacteria and other microbes, which can cause infections or spread diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them.
However, improper hand drying can also lead to cross-contamination, skin damage, or other health issues. In this article, we will discuss how to dry your hands in the safest manner.
Why Proper Hand Drying Is Important?
Hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of germs and bacteria. However, just washing your hands is not enough. Wet hands are more susceptible to microbial growth than dry hands.
Besides, moisture can weaken the skin’s natural barrier function and cause skin irritation or even infection. Proper hand drying removes the remaining moisture and ensures hands are thoroughly dry, decreasing the risk of infection and promoting healthy skin.
The Basic Techniques Of Hand Drying
There are mainly two methods of hand drying: using paper towels or an electric hand dryer. Both methods are effective if done correctly. Here are the basic techniques to follow:.
Drying Your Hands With Paper Towels
- After washing your hands with soap and water, shake off the excess water from your hands.
- Take a clean, dry paper towel and gently pat your hands dry. Avoid rubbing your hands vigorously, as it can damage the skin or spread pathogens.
- If needed, use another paper towel to dry the remaining moisture on your hands. Make sure you cover all the areas, including the fingers, palms, and back of the hands.
- Dispose of the used paper towel in a waste bin and do not touch the bin’s surface with your bare hands.
Drying Your Hands With An Electric Hand Dryer
- After washing your hands with soap and water, shake excess water off your hands.
- Place your hands under the dryer nozzle at a distance of about 6 inches.
- Activate the dryer by pressing the button or sensor and keep your hands still for the recommended time. Depending on the dryer type, it may take 20-30 seconds to dry your hands thoroughly.
- Move your hands around, so the dryer can reach all the surface areas.
- Once finished, turn off the dryer by pressing the button or sensor and remove your hands.
The Pros And Cons Of Hand Drying Methods
There are advantages and disadvantages to both hand drying methods. Here are some of the points to consider:.
| Hand Drying Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Paper towels | Economical, disposable, effective at removing moisture, accessible in most public places | May generate waste, require storage and transportation, may not be environmentally friendly |
| Electric hand dryers | No waste generated, cost-effective in the long run, can reduce carbon footprint, available in most public toilets | May take longer to dry hands, may not be accessible to people with disabilities, can spread germs if used improperly or poorly maintained |
The Safety Guidelines For Hand Drying
When it comes to hand drying, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some guidelines to follow:.
Use Single-Use Towels Or Clean Towels
Using a clean towel or single-use towel is crucial for avoiding cross-contamination. Reusing a towel can spread bacteria and other pathogens, which can cause infections. If you use a communal towel, make sure it is cleaned regularly, or bring your towel.
Avoid Touching Unnecessary Surfaces
After drying your hands, avoid touching unnecessary surfaces, such as faucets, doorknobs, or switches. Use a clean paper towel or your elbow to turn off or open the tap and throw the towel away in a waste bin.
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This way, you prevent spreading germs or contacting contaminants.
Be Gentle With Your Skin
Vigorous rubbing or scrubbing while drying your hands can damage the skin’s protective barrier and cause skin irritation, dryness, or cracking. Therefore, be gentle with your skin when drying your hands.
Pat or blot your hands dry instead of rubbing them.
Be Mindful Of Hand Jewelry
Wearing jewelry on hands, such as rings or bracelets, can trap moisture, dirt, or germs underneath them. This can cause skin irritation or infection. Therefore, remove your hand jewelry before washing and drying your hands to avoid trapping contaminants.
Regularly Maintaining The Electric Dryers
Electric hand dryers need to be appropriately maintained to ensure they are safe to use. A poorly maintained dryer can spread bacteria or virus particles into the air, causing infections or respiratory problems.
Therefore, it is essential to clean and disinfect dryers regularly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
Drying your hands in the safest manner is crucial for maintaining good hand hygiene and preventing infections. Whether you prefer paper towels or electric dryers, make sure you follow the guidelines we have discussed in this article.
By doing so, you can protect yourself and others from harmful pathogens, and promote healthy skin as well.
