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One of the easiest ways to prevent the infection of skin is to practice good hand hygiene such as washing your hands frequently. Alternatively, you can use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available. Wash your hands frequently. After wetting hands and applying soap, rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (or the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice). Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry hands using a paper towel or air dryer. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't accessible. After applying the sanitizer, rub hands together until they are dry. Be sure to apply product to all surfaces of the hand including in between fingers. In some public places, such as hospitals and nursing homes, there is often a sanitary station where you can keep your hands clean. These are usually foam-based sanitizers which sometimes have moisturizer in them, too. Utilize these stations when you can. Although washing hands often helps reduce skin infections, it can also lead to dry skin. Dry skin may result in cracks in the skin, which can allow bacteria to enter the cut. Use a moisturizing lotion often to prevent cracks and peeling of the skin. Avoid lotions that have a long list of ingredients including many perfumes and fragrances. Plain moisturizers such as petroleum jelly work best. As a rule of thumb, creamy moisturizers tend to have more preservatives so grease-based moisturizes tend to be more effective. Some germs can survive on surfaces anywhere from hours to days. By avoiding skin-to-skin contact with surfaces like locker room floors and doorknobs, you can decrease your chance of coming into contact with infectious germs. Clean or use a barrier (like gloves or napkins) when touching overly-exposed surfaces. Items like restroom doors, restaurants menus, and cell phones are full of bacteria. Avoiding direct contact with such items can reduce the spread of germs. Sanitize surface areas often by using household disinfectants or wipes such as Lysol. Even though people are taught from a young age that "sharing is caring," sharing personal hygiene items or items that come into contact with bodily fluids can often lead to the transmission of germs. Personal hygiene products always contain germs. Avoid sharing items like make-up, hair brushes, towels, and deodorant. Never share toothbrushes or razors. Sharing drinks and eating utensils easily spreads saliva which is a common host of germs.
Keep your hands clean to reduce skin infections. Moisturize dry skin. Avoid contact with overly used surfaces. Avoid sharing personal items.