Your Child's Health - Archive

Also in this issue: Learning to Share: It’s Not Easy for Young Children Picking Snacks for Picky Eaters When That Belly Discomfort Won’t Go Away Stop Dating Abuse Before It Starts Heart Health Starts Young NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Hand Washing: Don’t Give Up on Plain Soap and Water Antibacterial products don’t add much to hand hygiene New products like antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers clamor for our attention, but plain old soap and water is still a good way to clean your hands. In studies, washing hands with soap and water for 15 seconds (about the time it takes to sing one chorus of “Happy Birthday to You”) reduces bacterial counts by about 90 percent. But even people who are conscientious about washing their hands often make the mistake of not drying them properly. Wet hands are more likely to spread germs than dry ones. Antibacterial products Today, almost half of the hand soaps on the market have an antibacterial additive. The big question has been whether use of antibacterial soaps will worsen the problem of antibiotic resistance, says Dr. Jane Siegel, an infectious diseases expert at Children’s Medical Center and professor of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern.     “Even if antibiotic resistance weren’t an issue, results from studies suggest that antibacterial soaps available to consumers don’t add much to hand hygiene,” Dr. Siegel says. “The findings are a useful reminder that antibacterial soaps aren’t the all-purpose germ fighters that many people think they are.” Hand sanitizers The hot new products in hand hygiene are alcohol-based rubs, sold as hand sanitizers. The big advantage of these cleansers is that you don’t need water or a towel, so you can use them anywhere. But users must remember to be thorough in the products’ application, and alcohol doesn’t kill everything. “To be effective, the rubs need to come into contact with all surfaces of your hands,” Siegel says. “For that reason, studies have shown that using small amounts is really no better than washing with plain soap and water.” To make sure you clean your hands thoroughly, whether you’re using soap and water or a hand sanitizer, try to remember the following steps: 1. Spread cleaner over hands. 2. Clean backs. 3. Clean fingertips. 4. Clean fingernails. 5. Clean thumbs. 6. Clean between fingers. Resources Children's Medical Center Health Library Last reviewed: February 2009		Find a Speciality & Service Request an Appointment Support Children's childrens.com
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