WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene
Hand Hygiene is a general term used to describe any action that results in cleansing of hands and the removal of microorganisms from the hands.
Hand hygiene practices
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Antiseptic handwashing : Washing hands with soap and water, or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent.
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Antiseptic hand-rubbing (or hand-rubbing) : Applying an antiseptic hand-rub to reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms without the need for an exogenous source of water and requiring no rinsing or drying with towels or other devices.
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Hand antisepsis/decontamination/degerming : Reducing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms by the application of an antiseptic handrub or by performing an antiseptic handwash.
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Hand care : Actions to reduce the risk of skin damage or irritation.
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Handwashing : Washing hands with plain or antimicrobial soap and water.
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Hand cleansing : Action of performing hand hygiene for the purpose of physically or mechanically removing dirt, organic material, and/or microorganisms.