How long should you wash hands each time, and when? Doctors explain

Since 2008, the world has been celebrating Global Handwashing Day, also known as World Handwashing Day, which aims to improve people's handwashing habits worldwide. This year, the theme of the day is 'Our hands, our future.' The habit is a simple way to prevent the spread of diarrhoeal infections and respiratory ailments. While washing hands with soap is the right way to go about it, using alcohol-based hand sanitiser can also be effective, according to the Centres for Disease Control. How long should you wash your hands for effective cleaning, and what's the right soap to use? Here's what you need to know. 

The duration
For many of us, washing hands means rinsing them under water for less than five seconds, with or without soap. However, according to Dr Summer Allen of the Mayo Clinic, that won't help. She says that one should use soap and water to wash hands each time for at least 20 seconds to ensure effective cleaning. In conversation with the Mayo Clinic News Network, she explained how to wash hands properly.

Key times to wash hands
In the hustle and bustle of our daily life, our handwashing process can become mechanical and ineffective if we don't give it the attention it deserves. Dr K Bindupriya, Medical Officer at the Family Health Centre in Punnapra North, Alappuzha, lists the key times when you shouldn't miss washing your hands. 

What soap to use?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, any soap or even body wash is good enough to remove germs from your hands. There is no need to depend solely on antibacterial soap, as there is no proof that they are better than other soaps. 

Side effects of washing too often
While handwashing has its benefits, doing it too many times can also have its side effects, says the Cleveland Clinic. Eczema flare-ups in those who suffer from the condition, along with chapped and cracked hands that invite more germs and strip our hands of good bacteria and healthy oils, are a few of the side effects. If you need to wash your hands multiple times a day for any reason, ensure that you also use a moisturiser containing emollients to prevent dryness and irritation.