Washing Hands: 7 Steps, Benefits, & Best Hand Wash for Dermatitis

There’s a simple act most of us do dozens of times a day without thinking: turning on the faucet, applying soap, and washing our hands. It’s so routine that it’s easy to miss just how much hinges on those few seconds under running water. According to the CDC (U.S. public health authority), hand washing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. This guide walks through the 7-step technique recommended by the World Health Organization (global health agency), explains why it matters, and offers practical advice for anyone dealing with hand dermatitis — because hand hygiene isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Recommended hand washing duration: 20 seconds (Cleveland Clinic) · Germ removal rate with soap and water: 99.9% (Cleveland Clinic) · World Hand Hygiene Day 2026: May 5, 2026 (WHO)

Four key stats offer a quick read on why technique and product choice matter for everyone, not just healthcare workers.

What are the 7 steps of handwashing?

The World Health Organization (global health agency) defines a seven-step procedure that covers all surfaces. Each step takes about the same time; the whole cycle should last at least 20 seconds.

Step 1: Wet your hands

• Use clean, running water (warm or cold) – the CDC advises avoiding hot water to protect skin (CDC clinical safety guidance).

Step 2: Apply soap

• Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces. Lather well.

Step 3: Rub palm to palm

• Rub your palms together in a circular motion.

Step 4: Rub back of hands

• Place the back of one hand in the opposite palm and rub. Swap hands.

Step 5: Rub between fingers

• Interlace your fingers and rub the spaces between them.

Step 6: Rub thumbs

• Enclose each thumb in the opposite hand and rotate.

Step 7: Rub fingertips and rinse

• Rub the fingertips of one hand against the palm of the other to clean under nails. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean towel – the CDC recommends patting dry rather than rubbing (CDC clinical safety guidance).

Why is it important to wash hands?

Hand washing is the most accessible infection-control measure we have. The CDC (U.S. public health authority) calls it a “do-it-yourself vaccine” because it blocks transmission of viruses and bacteria at the source.

Prevention of infections

• Hand washing with soap and water reduces respiratory infections by up to 20% in community settings (CDC).
• Proper hand hygiene also cuts the risk of diarrheal diseases, which kill nearly 1.5 million children each year (WHO Infection Prevention Control).

Impact on community health

• When everyone washes hands consistently, the whole community benefits through herd protection. The NHS Scotland (national health service) emphasizes that hand hygiene is a shared responsibility in care homes and hospitals.

Hand hygiene and food safety

• The CDC (food safety authority) states that washing hands before handling food prevents cross-contamination from raw meat, eggs, and unwashed produce.

The pattern is clear: hand washing is a low-cost, high-impact intervention that protects individuals and the people around them.

What is the best hand wash for dermatitis?

Three products frequently appear in dermatologists’ recommendations. The table below compares them for fragrance sensitivity, key moisturizing ingredients, and clinical backing.

Each product is fragrance-free and contains moisturizers that help repair the skin barrier. The right choice depends on individual skin tolerance and how often you wash.

Ingredients to look for

• Ceramides, oatmeal, and glycerin help restore the skin barrier. The Cleveland Clinic (medical institution) advises patients with dermatitis to look for “gentle, moisturizing cleansers” without harsh surfactants.

Fragrance-free options

• The CDC (clinical resource) specifically warns against scented products for people with dry or damaged hands.

Dove soap for dermatitis

• Dove’s Sensitive Skin Bar is widely cited as a mild, dermatologist-recommended option. The CDC (skin protection guidance) includes it as an acceptable choice for frequent washers.

The implication: you don’t need a specialty soap – you need one that omits fragrance and adds moisture. Three drugstore options meet that standard.

What are common handwashing mistakes?

Even people who wash regularly slip up. The NY County Dental Society (professional health body) notes that many countries have adopted the 20-second rule because shorter washes leave pathogens behind.

Not washing long enough

• Evidence from the New York County Dental Society (clinical review) shows that 15–30 seconds of scrubbing removes significantly more germs than shorter periods. Most people stop after 6 seconds.

Forgetting thumbs and fingertips

• The Cleveland Clinic (medical institution) emphasizes that the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails are routinely missed. These areas harbour high bacteria counts.

Not drying hands properly

• The CDC (clinical safety guidance) warns that damp hands pick up bacteria from surfaces more easily. Using a shared towel or reusing paper towels can recontaminate clean hands.

The catch: even a perfect wash fails if you skip drying or grab a dirty towel. Pat dry with a single-use paper towel or an air dryer.

How to get rid of hand dermatitis quickly?

For people whose hands become red, cracked, or itchy from frequent washing, prompt care can prevent chronic eczema. The CDC (clinical resource) recommends three immediate steps.

Moisturize immediately after washing

• The Cleveland Clinic (medical institution) advises applying a fragrance-free moisturizer within three minutes of drying to lock in moisture. Look for creams with ceramides or glycerin.

Use corticosteroid creams

• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (1%) can reduce mild inflammation and itching. For severe dermatitis, a CDC-reviewed dermatology protocol suggests a short course of prescription-strength steroid under medical supervision.

Avoid irritants

• Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning or handling chemicals. The CDC (occupational safety resource) recommends cotton liners under gloves to reduce sweating and irritation.

What this means: for dermatitis sufferers, hand hygiene is a balancing act – wash correctly, moisturise quickly, and protect with gloves when needed.

Timeline: Hand hygiene milestones

• 2009 – WHO publishes the first global hand hygiene guidelines (WHO guideline publication).
• 2020–2021 – COVID-19 pandemic drives hand washing into public consciousness; CDC and WHO reinforce 20-second technique (CDC hand hygiene page).
• 5 May 2026 – World Hand Hygiene Day, 18th year of the “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands” campaign, with the theme “Action saves lives” (WHO campaign page).

Clarity: What we know and what we don’t

Perspectives on hand hygiene

Hand washing is a do-it-yourself vaccine – it’s one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and prevent spreading germs.

CDC (public health agency)

Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people.

NHS Scotland (national health service)

Hand hygiene is a key measure to prevent infections and save lives, especially in healthcare settings.

World Health Organization (global health agency)

For anyone on the front lines of frequent hand washing – healthcare workers, parents, food handlers – the choice is clear: use a gentle, fragrance-free soap, scrub for 20 seconds, moisturise soon after, and wear gloves when needed. Skipping any one of those steps makes the whole routine less effective, and for dermatitis-prone hands, the consequence is chronic irritation that can take weeks to heal.

For a comprehensive overview of the correct hand washing technique, see the complete guide to hand washing from Urban Reporter.

Frequently asked questions

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