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“Hand hygiene and mask usage recommended by the CDC are both essential in preventing the transmission of microorganisms, specifically – COVID-19,” says Dr.Sachin Shridharani.

Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani is a renowned, Manhattan-based plastic surgeon, board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and founder of LUXURGERY – the confluence of luxury and aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shridharani has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, textbook chapters, and abstracts on the topics of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in some of the most well-respected medical journals including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Shridharani’s innovative research has granted him the privilege of presenting his work at esteemed conferences both nationally and internationally. Haute Beauty dives deep with Dr. Shirdharani as he breaks down the ins and outs of proper handwashing and wearing safety masks.

A how-to on proper hand hygiene:

Proper hand hygiene should be performed using warm water and anti-bacterial soap. Hands should be rubbed together vigorously for at least 60 seconds. Be sure to cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers and to clean under the nails. As an aside, keeping nails short, trimmed and well-groomed is important as many types of microorganisms reside and get trapped under the fingernails.

Hygiene when wearing a mask:

When wearing a mask, it is important to use proper hand hygiene both BEFORE and AFTER touching the mask. This prevents transmission of microorganisms from your hands to the mask itself. It is also important to cover both the nose and the mouth with a proper seal at the junction of the nose/cheek and then at the jawline/neck to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

Who should be practicing hand hygiene and wearing masks?

EVERYONE is a candidate for good hand hygiene and mask-wearing! Hand hygiene should be performed both before and after interacting with other people and before and after touching commonly used objects/surfaces.

A mask can be worn by anyone even if they are not showing respiratory symptoms. For people who are or are not symptomatic, it can prevent the spread of microorganisms to healthy people.

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What are my options?

If hands are not soiled, alcohol-based hand rubs can be intermittently substituted for hand hygiene. A proper alcohol-based hand rub should contain 60 – 95% isopropyl alcohol. Apply an appropriate amount of alcohol-based hand rub to the hands and rub over all surfaces of the hands, fingers and under the nails. Continue to rub hands until the hands are dry and do not rinse.

What about dry hands?

From time to time, good hand hygiene can lead to drying, cracking and bleeding of the hands. Using a good moisturizer in between hygiene cycles ensures that you will be comfortable and improve your compliance!

Are masks uncomfortable?

Though many may find wearing a mask odd or uncomfortable, recognize that this will keep you and others safe and help reduce spread of infection. Remember, Dr. S and surgeons around the globe wear masks for hours at a time. You will adjust!?