The Overkill of Handwashing: Why You Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Hospital Handwashing Habits Shock: Study reveals Alarming neglect

Hygiene

July 22, 2025

Surprisingly, many people do without washing your hands in a public toilet in a hospital, according to a study.

Photo: Keystone

A recent study from the British University of Surrey has unveiled a concerning trend in hospital hygiene: a meaningful portion of individuals are neglecting handwashing after using the toilet.

In a Danish clinic, researchers observed that a surprising 43.7 percent of toilet users skipped washing their hands altogether.

Hygiene Concerns in High-Risk Settings

The data revealed even more startling figures, with one observation period showing as many as 61.8 percent of people failing to wash their hands.

“This gives rise to serious concerns about compliance with hygiene regulations in high-risk environments,” stated the university. The findings highlight that hand hygiene, despite increased awareness during the pandemic, is not yet a consistent practice, especially where preventing infection spread is paramount.

Study Methodology and Findings

The research involved monitoring the use of sinks in two public hospital restrooms in the Copenhagen region over 19 weeks. A lack of tap usage within a two-minute window before or four minutes after flushing was recorded as omitted handwashing.

“Many people may assume that hand washing is now a matter of course-especially in hospitals and according to Covid-19,” explained lead author Pablo Pereira-Doel. “But our data draw a different picture.”

Expert Recommendations for Betterment

The study’s authors, Pereira-Doel and Benjamin Gardner, are advocating for increased awareness campaigns to address this lapse in hygiene.

The German Federal Institute for Public Health emphasizes the importance of thorough handwashing for at least 20 to 30 seconds, roughly the duration of singing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Tips for Safer Public Restroom Use

To minimize contact with possibly contaminated surfaces in public restrooms, it’s advised to use a disposable towel or your elbow to operate taps and door handles.

This simple precaution can significantly contribute to maintaining personal hygiene and preventing the spread of germs in critical environments like hospitals. What are your thoughts on these findings? Let us know in the comments below.

How does excessive handwashing potentially increase susceptibility to infection, despite its intention to reduce germs?

The Hygiene Hypothesis and Your Skin Microbiome

For years, we’ve been bombarded with messages about the importance of hand hygiene. While crucial, especially during flu season and pandemics, excessive handwashing can disrupt the delicate balance of your skin microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that live on your skin. This disruption isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can have significant implications for your overall health. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to microbes in early life can lead to an increased risk of allergic diseases and autoimmune disorders.

Think of your skin as an ecosystem. Constant scrubbing is like clear-cutting a forest – you remove everything, good and bad, leaving it vulnerable to invasion.

How Excessive Washing Impacts Your Skin barrier

Your skin barrier, also known as the skin barrier function, is your first line of defense against the outside world. It’s composed of skin cells, lipids (fats), and, importantly, your microbiome. Frequent washing hands with harsh soaps and antibacterial soaps strips away these essential components, leading to:

Dry, Cracked Skin: Loss of natural oils leads to dehydration and compromised skin integrity.

Eczema Flare-Ups: A damaged skin barrier is more susceptible to irritants, triggering eczema. Atopic dermatitis is often exacerbated by over-washing.

Increased Risk of Infection: Ironically, disrupting your microbiome can increase your susceptibility to harmful pathogens. The “good” bacteria are outcompeted, allowing “bad” bacteria to flourish.

Contact Dermatitis: Sensitivity to soaps and sanitizers increases with frequent use.

The Role of Antibacterial Soap: Are They Necessary?

The widespread use of antibacterial handwash is a relatively recent phenomenon. For everyday situations, plain soap and water are just as effective at removing germs. In fact, the FDA has even ruled against manny over-the-counter antibacterial soaps, citing a lack of evidence that they provide a health benefit over regular soap.

Here’s why:

Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibacterial agents contributes to the advancement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a major public health threat.

Disruption of Microbiome: Antibacterial soaps are particularly harsh on your skin’s natural flora.

Limited Added Benefit: For routine hand cleaning, plain soap effectively removes germs by lifting them from the skin.

When should You Wash Your Hands? – Prioritizing Hygiene

It’s not about abandoning hand hygiene altogether, but about being strategic. Focus on washing your hands at key moments:

1. Before, during, and after preparing food.
2. Before eating.
3. After using the toilet.
4. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
5. After touching public surfaces (door handles,shopping carts,etc.).
6. After handling garbage.
7. Before and after treating a cut or wound.
8. After touching animals or animal waste.

Choosing the Right Hand Care Products

Selecting the right products can minimize the damage from necessary hand washing.

Opt for Gentle Soaps: Look for fragrance-free, dye-free soaps with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or shea butter. Avoid harsh sulfates.

Lukewarm Water: Hot water strips away natural oils more quickly.

Moisturize Promptly: Apply a hand cream or hand lotion immediately after washing to lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal.

Hand Sanitizer – Use Sparingly: When soap and water aren’t available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). However, remember that sanitizers don’t remove visible dirt and grime. Frequent use can still be drying.

Real-World example: Healthcare Workers & Hand Hygiene

Healthcare professionals are understandably diligent about hand disinfection to prevent the spread of infection. However, even in this setting, there’s growing awareness of the need for balance. Studies have shown that excessive hand rubbing and hand washing can lead to occupational dermatitis among healthcare workers, impacting their ability to perform their duties. Hospitals are now implementing strategies to promote skin health alongside infection control, including providing emollient creams and educating staff on proper hand hygiene techniques.

Benefits of a Balanced Approach to Hand Hygiene

Adopting a more balanced approach to hand care offers numerous benefits:

Stronger Skin Barrier: A healthy skin barrier protects against infection and irritation.

Reduced Risk of Eczema & Dermatitis: Minimizing disruption to the skin microbiome can prevent flare-ups.

Improved Overall Health: A balanced microbiome contributes to a stronger immune system.

Less Dryness & Discomfort: Moisturized, healthy skin feels better.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hands

Limit Wash Frequency: Wash only when necessary