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Immunity and infection prevention

Hand and body hygiene

The main article (“Hand hygiene and your home”) gives the basics of protection. This topic takes a practical look at the strongest protective measure, hand hygiene, and at daily care of the skin and body.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Lathered hands under water.
Figure 1.Washing hands with soap.

01Short answer

Hands are the main route by which germs travel. The WHO calls hand hygiene the simplest and most effective way to prevent infection. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including between the fingers, the thumbs and the nails; if there is no visible dirt, an alcohol hand rub is fine. Clean your hands before preparing food and eating, after the toilet, after public places, and before touching a catheter. Family and visitors should do the same. A daily shower, mild soap, moisturising, avoiding cuts (an electric razor instead of a blade) and short nails keep the skin a strong barrier.

02Simple explanation

Hands: the main route for germs.

Soap or hand rub.

Skin: a protective barrier.

03Scientific explanation

Evidence: hand hygiene is the measure with the strongest evidence for reducing hospital infections.

The skin barrier: dry, cracked skin and cuts are gates for bacteria; an electric razor and moisturiser reduce this.

04What happens in the body?

Washing properly

Do not forget between the fingers and the nails.

Hand rub within reach

Hand rub at the bedside makes it easy for visitors too.

A hand rub bottle on a bedside table.
Figure 2.Hand rub at the bedside.

Gentle care

A daily shower and mild soap keep the skin clean and healthy.

A shower with soap and a towel.
Figure 3.Gentle daily care — Hand and body hygiene

05Handwashing

Four steps.

Wet — With water.1WetWith water.
Lather — Every area.2LatherEvery area.
Rinse — And dry.3RinseAnd dry.
Hand rub — When needed.4Hand rubWhen needed.

06When to clean your hands

SituationWhy
Before eating and cookingGut infections
After the toiletGut bacteria
Before touching a catheterBloodstream infection
On getting homeGerms from public places
After blowing your noseRespiratory viruses

07Key terms

Hand hygiene
Washing hands or using hand rub.
Alcohol hand rub
An alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Skin barrier
The skin’s protection against germs.
Moisturiser
A cream that reduces dry skin.
Electric razor
Shaving with less risk of cuts.

08Key points

  • Hand hygiene is the key measure.
  • 20 seconds, every area.
  • Hand rub is a good alternative.
  • Family should wash their hands too.
  • Moisturise your skin.
  • Avoid cuts.

09Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to ask a visitor to wash their hands?

No; it is for your health.

Do I need antibacterial soap?

Ordinary soap is enough.

Can I take a bath?

If you have a catheter, ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is it rude to ask a visitor to wash their hands?

  2. Do I need antibacterial soap?

  3. Can I take a bath?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Hand hygiene
  2. American Cancer Society. Infections in People with Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. InformedHealth.org (IQWiG). The innate and adaptive immune systems
  5. Science, 2011. Vivier E et al. Innate or adaptive immunity? The example of natural killer cells
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: monocyte
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: macrophage
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: dendritic cell
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phagocyte
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: antigen-presenting cell
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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