Hand hygiene is the single most effective intervention for reducing the risk of infection. Hand hygiene is performed using either an alcohol-based hand rubs, antimicrobial skin cleaner or soap and water, depending on the indication, when hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand rub is recommended.
Different between hand rub and hand washing:
Hand washing is with soap and water, dry with towel.
Hand rubbing is with an antiseptic solution only—no soap, no water and no hand towel.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are a quick and accessible alternative. However, NOT suitable or appropriate for all situations and would not be used when hands are visibly soiled (dirty). Alcohol-based hand rubs are disinfectant agents. They should be used when hands are visible clean instead of hand washing because they:
- Substantially reduce bacteria count on hand
- Require less time than hand washing
- Are more accessible
- Are self-drying
The proper way to apply hand sanitizer (hand rubs):
- Apply for a dim size amount to the palm of hand.
- Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of both hands including between your fingers and up around your fingertips and nails.
- Rub hands together for 20-30 seconds to allow your hands to completely absorb the hand sanitizer.
How much hand sanitizer should you use? In order to sufficiently cover both the palms and backs of the hands, should use at least 3 ml of sanitizer.
Simple DIY hand sanitizer:
1. Witch Hazel sanitizer
- Vitamin E oil* (as skin moisturiser) – ½ teaspoon
- Tea tree essential oil (for antiseptic) – 15 drops
- Witch Hazel (as disinfectant) – 1 ½ teaspoon
- Aloe vera gel (to hydrate the skin) – ½ cup
*Vitamin E needs to be dissolved with essential oil first (oil soluble).
2. Rubbing alcohol sanitizer
- Aloe vera gel (to hydrate the skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Vitamin E oil (as skin moisturiser) – 1 teaspoon
- Peppermint essential oil (for anti-bacteria) – 6 drops
- Lavender essential oil (for anti-infectious) – 12 drops
- Rubbing alcohol* (as disinfectant) – 4 tablespoons
*Isopropyl 75%