Hand Washing with Antiseptic Soap Can Kill Germs?
Spread and transmission COVID-19 is preventable wash your hands easily. When hygiene is maintained properly, of course you have tried to minimize the risk of disease transmission. You can wash your hands with antiseptic soap so that prevention works more optimally.
Benefits of washing hands with antiseptic soap
Washing hands is an easy and simple step to avoid transmission of disease. Washing hands with soap and water is preferable, rather than using only water. This is because soap has an active substance that is able to remove microbes or germs on the surface of the hand.
There are many choices of hand soap on the market. Many people want to choose the best soap so that its use can be protective hands optimally. Some people also choose antiseptic soap for hand washing. Maybe briefly occurred in your mind, what makes this antiseptic soap different from other hand washing soaps?
In a World Health Organization (WHO) article, antiseptics are substances that are used to stop or slow down microbial growth. Due to these properties, antiseptic agents are used by hospitals and other medical fields. The use of antiseptics aims to reduce the risk of infection with germs.
Usually this antiseptic is used to clean hands, one of which comes in the form of a hand washing product. The active ingredient in antiseptic hand soap is usually Chloroxylenol (PCMX). This content is antimicrobial, thus helping to deactivate and suppress the growth of germs.
A study from the journal African Journal of Biotechnology explain that that soap character contain antibacterial can inhibit bacterial development. Mentioned in research journals that these antibacterial agents can kill or inhibit the development of bacterial cells.
The antibacterial properties in soap can also prevent the spread of infection. Especially when you are caring for someone who is sick at home. Antibacterial in hand washing soap can provide protection to reduce the possibility of disease transmission.
Therefore, antiseptic hand soap is often an option in protecting families from germs. At least this method can reduce the risk of disease transmission, including in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Another thing that needs to be considered when washing hands
Surely you already know the steps wash your hands properly for 20 seconds. However, there are other things that need attention. Apart from washing your hands with antiseptic soap, don’t forget to pay attention to the temperature of the water used.
Some people may feel more comfortable washing their hands with warm water. Others wash their hands with room temperature tap water, which is fine. However, which one is better to use?
There is no research that proves that water at a certain temperature is better. However, it’s best to use warm or room temperature water to avoid irritating your skin.
After washing your hands under running water, don’t forget to dry your hands. Hands that are still wet still have a chance of transmitting or transmitting bacteria. Therefore, hand drying is a step that cannot be missed.
If at home you usually share towels that hang next to the sink to dry your hands, it’s better to change this method. This greatly facilitates the transfer of bacteria to your cleaned hands. Dry with hand dryer nor is it more effective.
A safer step, you can dry your hands with paper towels. When drying, do not rub your hands and between your fingers. Pat dry, so that the skin doesn’t peel off.
Now, you know the importance of washing hands with antiseptic soap as a way to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Don’t forget to use running tap water to wash your hands and always dry your hands with paper towels. That way, you can always protect yourself from disease attacks.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
What Is Antiseptic: Antiseptic vs. Disinfectant, Uses, and Safety. (2020). Retrieved 2 May 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-antiseptic#types
Antibacterial soap | DermNet NZ. (2020). Retrieved 2 May 2021, from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/antibacterial-soap/
WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. (2020). Retrieved 2 May 2021, from https://www.who.int/patientsafety/information_centre/Last_April_versionHH_Guidelines%5B3%5D.pdf
hygiene, R. (2009). Review of preparations used for hand hygiene. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK144041/
Riaz, Saba & Ahmad, Adeel & Hasnain, Shahida. (2009). Antibacterial activity of soaps against daily encountered bacteria. African Journal of Biotechnology. 8.
Show Me the Science – How to Wash Your Hands | Handwashing | CDC. (2020). Retrieved 4 May 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html
