One step in practicing correct personal hygiene is regular hand washing. This is important because the hands come into contact with many germs and bacteria throughout the day, and washing them can help prevent the spread of illness and infection. The correct way to wash hands is to wet them with clean running water, apply soap, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to lather the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. Then rinse the hands well with clean running water and dry them with a clean towel or air dry them. It is especially important to wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coming into contact with someone who is sick.
