Hand hygiene

25% of people are infected with the bacterium Escherichia coli (responsible for gastroenteritis) on their hands when leaving the toilet, whereas only 4% are infected on entering. (Source: "études menées par des chaînes de restauration rapide" (studies performed by fast-food restaurants) )

Hands and nails are the main targets for microbial contamination, because of their obvious exposure. The hands, therefore, collect a significant number (104 - 108 par cm²) of potentially hazardous microorganisms from the outside or other body areas, either through direct or cross-contact or by airborne contamination.

The great danger lies in the ease with which they will be routed and contaminate everything they touch afterwards.

Hand hygiene is the most important and easiest thing to take care of to prevent infections and the propagation of germs. Indeed, the hands are the leading vector of contamination (3/4 of infections are transmitted via the hands). Thus, 8 diseases out of 10 could be avoided with good hand hygiene.

Which diseases are commonly transmitted via the hands?

  • Gastroenteritis (Rotavirus): every winter, 1 to 2 million French people suffer from this viral infection which leads to diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Bacteria (E. coli) can also cause this pathology.
  • Cold (Rhinovirus): is transmitted by nasal secretion and the hands.
  • Bronchiolitis (RSV): the seasonal epidemic of bronchiolitis affects 30% of infants per year. It is transmitted by saliva (coughing and sneezing) and via the hands.
  • Mycoses (Candida Albicans): Cutaneous candidosis infections develop in areas of perspiration and between the fingers. Genital candidiases are also relatively common. One of the most well-known candidiasis infections is Thrush which frequently affects newborns.

Useful recommendations:

  • Learn to wash your hands properly: The National Institute for Health Prevention and Education (INPES) recommends washing hands in soap and water for 30 seconds, rubbing vigorously between the fingers and under the nails to eliminate all the germs. This is why it is recommended to use a disinfectant soap or hydroalcoholic gel for greater efficacy and practicality.
  • Avoid drying your hands with a dirty or damp towel. Prefer a clean towel or a disposable paper towel.
  • Systematically wash your hands before preparing food, looking after a baby, leaving public transport, toilets or other places "at risk" or which are crowded (shops, public places).
  • When travelling, rub your hands with a disinfectant hydroalcoholic solution several times a day.

SANYTOL solutions: