Hand Hygiene: Protecting More Than Just Hands

In healthcare, clean hands can be the difference between safety and infection. But good hand hygiene isn't just about following a routine - it's about protecting the people in your care. Discover practical tips on how to wash, dry, and disinfect your hands effectively, and why each step matters more than you think.

Why hand hygiene matters now more than ever

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were all reminded of just how critical hand hygiene is in preventing the spread of infections. Now is a crucial time to carry those lessons forward - especially in healthcare settings where vulnerable individuals rely on us for protection.

Many of us have had moments where we didn't wash our hands as thoroughly as we should - or skipped it altogether. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Studies show that adherence to hand hygiene guidelines remains low in healthcare even though clear protocols are widely available (1).

And the reasons are rarely malicious. High activity levels, time pressure and even the involvement of physicians have been linked to lower compliance (2). In many cases, hand hygiene simply isn't yet a habit - or the right facilities aren't within easy reach. These everyday realities can lead us to act against our better judgment.

Still, one fact remains unchanged: Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Or as the WHO puts it, "hand hygiene saves millions of lives every year when performed at the right moments during healthcare delivery" (3).

Clean hands don't just make a difference - they save lives.

6 steps for handwashing in healthcare

Think hand hygiene is just a quick rinse and a squeeze of soap? Think again. Effective hand hygiene in healthcare is a complete routine - one that includes careful washing, proper drying, disinfection and skin care. Each step helps protect both caregivers and patients from preventable infections.

While we all know to wash our hands after using the bathroom or before eating, healthcare settings demand extra vigilance. According to the WHO, there are five key moments when hand hygiene is especially critical in clinical care (4):

Before touching a patient
Before clean or aseptic procedures
After exposure to bodily fluids
After touching a patient
After touching patient surroundings

But knowing when to wash is only part of the picture - how you wash matters just as much.

Start with the water: it should be clean, running and at a comfortable temperature. Using water that's too hot can irritate the skin and actually reduce soap's effectiveness. And while warm water may feel better, it doesn't make washing more effective than cooler temperatures. What does matter is using a proper technique.

Drying is just as important as washing. Wet hands carry far more microorganisms than dry ones – and if hands stay damp, it increases the risk of spreading infection. But not all drying methods are equal. Multi-use towels and electric hand dryers can both contribute to contamination.
Air dryers can even spread microorganisms up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) away, and warm air may raise skin moisture levels, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The most hygienic option?

Single-use paper towels. They help remove residual moisture and microorganisms without spreading them to your surroundings. Follow these 6 steps every time you wash your hands:

Rinse the hands under clean, running water, removing any visible dirt.
Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces, including wrists. The risk of skin irritation is minimised when applying soap to wet hands.
Rub hands and wrists for at least 15 seconds.
Rub both thumbs, wash the surface of the nails with the hands closed, and wash in between the fingers
Rinse hands thoroughly with water.
Dry hands thoroughly with a single-use towel. Use the same towel to turn off the tap

While soap and water are essential for removing dirt and debris, they don't kill micro-organisms. And frequent hand washing - especially in a busy healthcare setting - can take a toll on your skin. Over time, it may lead to dryness, irritation or even dermatitis.

Tip: Protect your skin by using a nourishing, perfume-free lotion regularly. For hands that need extra care, a high-fat moisturiser or prescribed ointment can help restore the skin barrier and support healing.

4 steps for disinfecting your hands

In healthcare, disinfecting your hands is more than routine - it is essential. After washing and drying your hands, disinfection helps eliminate microorganisms that soap and water alone cannot remove.

But disinfectants are powerful. Applied to wet or damaged skin, they can break down the skin's natural barrier, leaving your hands vulnerable to irritation or even infection. This is why your hands should always be clean and completely dry before applying disinfectant.

Choose an alcohol-based disinfectant containing glycerol to protect your skin while ensuring antimicrobial efficacy. For effective results:

Clean your hands by rubbing them with an alcohol-based formulation (5)
Aim for 70–85% concentration in liquid form
Use 80–85% concentration in gel form

Tip: A formula with glycerol helps maintain the skin's natural barrier and reduces the risk of dryness and irritation.

We recommend following the four steps below when disinfecting your hands:

Apply disinfection to visibly clean and dry hands, including wrists and possibly forearms.
The amount used should keep the hands moist for 30 seconds. Count on using at least 2-5 mL.
Rub thoroughly across palms, fingers, thumbs, between fingers, and wrists (and forearms if used).
Continue rubbing until hands, wrists, and forearms are completely dry.

Remember your skin and nails

Hand hygiene plays a vital role in infection prevention, but it can also affect your skin. In healthcare, frequent washing, disinfection, and glove use can leave hands dry, chapped, or even damaged.

Your skin isn't just a surface - it's a natural defence system. When the skin barrier is compromised, bacteria and viruses can enter more easily through cracks or micro-injuries. Even small irritations can turn into entry points for infection.

That's why daily skin care is essential for everyone working in care settings.

Make it a habit to check your hands and nails for signs of dryness, redness, or irritation. Use a high-quality, perfume-free lotion to protect the skin - especially around the nails, where damage often starts. If your hands need extra care, apply a rich, high-fat moisturiser overnight to support healing and restore balance.

Need support finding the right products?
Explore our creams and lotion range designed for frequent hand hygiene in professional settings.

Gloves are your best friend

In many healthcare situations, clean hands alone aren't enough. When tasks involve personal hygiene, bodily fluids or chemical exposure, gloves are essential - protecting both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Used correctly, gloves act as a critical barrier against contaminants. But to be effective, they must be used the right way - every time.

Here's how to get glove use right:

Put on gloves before starting any relevant task
Change gloves between clean and unclean procedures
Dispose of gloves immediately after use - never reuse
Always wash or disinfect your hands after removing gloves

Gloves don't replace hand hygiene - they work alongside it. Clean hands before and after glove use to ensure full protection.

Need more guidance?
Visit our gloves FAQ page for answers to common questions and tips on choosing the right glove for every task.

Hand hygiene: Your questions answered

Still unsure about the dos and don'ts of hand hygiene? You're not alone. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from healthcare professionals:

"Is washing with water alone enough?"
No - water alone doesn't remove oils, dirt, or microorganisms effectively. Soap helps break down and lift particles from the skin so they can be rinsed away.

"How long should I wash my hands?"
Aim for at least 15–30 seconds of thorough rubbing. That's about the time it takes to hum the chorus of your favourite song twice.

"Why is drying my hands so important?"
Wet hands can carry up to 1,000 times more bacteria than dry ones. Dry thoroughly with a single-use paper towel to avoid recontamination.

"Can hand sanitiser replace handwashing?"
No - not always. Sanitiser works on clean hands, but it doesn't remove dirt or debris. Always wash first if hands are visibly soiled.

'Do gloves eliminate the need for hand hygiene?'
No. Gloves are a supplement, not a substitute. You must wash or disinfect your hands before putting on gloves and after taking them off.

'How can I protect my hands from dryness?'
Use hand lotion regularly - and a high-fat moisturiser at night if your skin is irritated or cracked.

Sources:

ABENA