Global Handwashing Day

Washing Your Hands Is More Important Now Than Ever

Due to the global pandemic, most of us have started to take our hygiene more seriously. One of the most important and easiest things we can do to avoid contracting COVID-19 is keeping our hands clean. In addition to preventing the spread of viruses such as COVID-19, proper hand washing habits can also kill other types of pathogens such as germs and bacteria.

Hand Hygiene For All

Along with the World Health Organization (WHO), in an initiative geared towards improving hand hygiene, we’re celebrating Global Handwashing Day. This year’s theme for the annual advocacy day is “Hand Hygiene for All” promoting regular handwashing with water and soap as a simple, inexpensive and effective way that we can all prevent diseases and keep ourselves and our communities safe.

Keeping Skin Healthy Amidst All That Soap & Sanitizer

While some people don’t wash their hands due to “optimistic bias,” the belief that disease won’t happen to them or physical reasons such as irritation from hand sanitizer or dryness from frequent use of soap. CNN Health asked Dr. Paul M. Friedman, our director at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston to weigh in on keeping hands healthy during the pandemic and the onset of cooler, dryer winter months.

Dr. Friedman recommends patting hands dry after washing or using hand sanitizer, but leaving them moist to “lock in moisture,” and then following with a lotion or ointment. Read the complete article at CNN Health for more facts on why handwashing is so critical, as well as tips on staying motivated to wash more often.

Contact Dr. Paul Friedman at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

Dr. Friedman is a Board-Certified Dermatologist who enjoys national recognition as a leader in his field. Dr. Friedman provides patients with expert care for skin conditions using state-of-the-art treatments at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation.