Wash Hands in Cool Water?
A recent New York Times column investigates the claim that hot water should be used instead of cold water to wash your hands.
Many take it for granted that washing with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, but does the temperature of the water really make a difference?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that hot water that is still comfortable to wash your hands in is not hot enough to kill bacteria. Interestingly, however, the FDA reports that hot water does remove oils that can harbor bacteria from the hands.
On the other hand, a report in a 2005 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine points out that in studies in which subjects had contaminated hands and then were instructed to wash with water ranging in temperature from 40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction."
In fact, allergy sufferers have a reason to wash their hands in cooler water. The same report notes that the "irritant capacity" of some soaps is increased when hot water is used. This could cause contact dermatitis.
Hot water or not, many allergic individuals react to the preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals that are in many personal care products. Browse our personal care products for allergy friendly soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and more.
Many take it for granted that washing with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, but does the temperature of the water really make a difference?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that hot water that is still comfortable to wash your hands in is not hot enough to kill bacteria. Interestingly, however, the FDA reports that hot water does remove oils that can harbor bacteria from the hands.
On the other hand, a report in a 2005 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine points out that in studies in which subjects had contaminated hands and then were instructed to wash with water ranging in temperature from 40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction."
In fact, allergy sufferers have a reason to wash their hands in cooler water. The same report notes that the "irritant capacity" of some soaps is increased when hot water is used. This could cause contact dermatitis.
Hot water or not, many allergic individuals react to the preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals that are in many personal care products. Browse our personal care products for allergy friendly soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and more.
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