Released on January 12, 2008 -Some studies have revealed that soap and water work better than the waterless, alcohol-based hand wipes and rubs. Antibacterial liquids and soaps should be avoided. These products normally kill both good and bad bacteria, thereby contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Furthermore, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that not only kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth, but has also been shown to kill human cells. That would be the definition of “over-kill.”

In case of a flu pandemic, cleanliness of hands is the best option. Don’t take food or even snack unless you have washed your hands with ordinary soap.  

How to Wash Your Hands Effectively:

The best hand-washing technique involves three steps:

• Use warm water
• Work up a good lather all the way up to your wrists for at least 10 or 15 seconds
• Don't forget to get all surfaces including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and an area often overlooked -- your fingernails.

Don’t become obsessive about washing your hands, however; if you wash them too frequently you can actually extract many of the protective oils in your skin, which can cause your skin to crack and bleed. It is important to realize that your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria – not the soap. 

It is rare for a germ on your skin to cause a problem -- it is typically only an issue when you transfer that to your nose, mouth or an open wound like cracked skin.

So obsessive-compulsive washing can actually increase your risk of getting sick by providing an entryway for potentially dangerous pathogens.