Dermatologist and venereologist Svetlana Yakovleva warned against excessive handwashing or the use of antibacterial products, stressing that this could damage the skin's protective barrier.
According to her, these organisms do not pose a health risk; on the contrary, they stimulate the local immune system and prevent harmful microorganisms, which may pose a risk, from remaining on the skin for a long time.
She says: “In addition, there is another type of microbe on the skin, which is transient microorganisms. These organisms reach the skin by contact with the surrounding environment, and include pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, viruses (such as norovirus and rotavirus), and Candida fungi. These organisms do not penetrate the skin deeply except in the case of cuts or injuries, but they may remain on its surface for several minutes or even a whole day. They can be easily transferred from the skin of the hands by touch, food, or shared utensils.”
According to her, if these microorganisms enter the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), skin wounds, or the digestive system, they may cause a range of diseases, from gastroenteritis to acute viral respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
She says: "These transient organisms can be easily removed with ordinary soap and water. For this reason, hand hygiene is one of the simplest ways to protect health. Washing hands thoroughly and regularly reduces the risk of intestinal infections by more than a third, and respiratory infections by 20 percent or more."
The doctor points out that it is necessary to dry the hands after washing them with a clean personal towel or disposable paper towels.
She explains: "But there is no need to over-wash your hands. It is not advisable to wash them unnecessarily, nor to use strong antibacterial products or alcohol-based solutions, because these can damage the skin barrier, disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria, and weaken the body's natural immunity."
