Question 1

does regularly washing your hands really help prevent illness ?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Hand washing is by it self one of the most effective tools we have to fight infection.
Make sure you wash with soap and water and build a lather for at least 20 seconds and make sure you cover all surfaces and under the nails.

Question 2

my chin always breaks out after performing oral sex on my gf. despite washing my face after.  is there a special soap that would help prevent this?

Accepted Answer

Rash: Perhaps it is more a mechanical thing. Do you get a rash on your hand when you touch or on your genitals?
If you were allergic I would think you would break out on other areas of your skin.

Question 3

what are some quick remedies to prevent odorous feet even after you keep washing them?

Accepted Answer

A few things: Wash your feet with an antibacterial soap. Use absorbent foot powders and antiperspirant sprays.  Change sweaty socks midway through your day, and rotate your shoes often. If you have any shoes that are smelly, get rid of them.  If these measures do not work, see a podiatrist.

Question 4

is frequent hand washing a good way to prevent illness?

Accepted Answer

Yes but...: Don't over do it though. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways of preventing transmission of contagious diseases. However  should be done wisely and if done too frequently you may develop dry skin. Make sure you wash your hands whenever you have been outside, in contact with someone that is sick, and every time they get dirty.

Question 5

can washing hands prevent the possibility of getting tape worms?

Accepted Answer

Hand washig: Yes, and also pick right food.

Question 6

so what can i do to prevent yeast infection? does washing a feminine products everyday will do?

Accepted Answer

Good hygiene: Good hygiene is most important in avoiding diseases. Fungal vaginitis is most often encountered after use of antibiotics due to death of the good bacteria that checks the growth of the yeast. So if there is no need for antibiotics, don't take any.

Question 7

about 4 hours ago i cut myself by washing a drinking glass. what should i do to prevent my knuckles from scarring?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic ointment: If your laceration is superficial keep it moist with Bacitracin ointment to prevent scabbing. If it is deep seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon or visit your local emergency department. I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen weber, M.D., f.A.C.S.
Lone tree facial plastic surgeon.

Question 8

i do not have any antibacterial hand soap and all my stores have been sold out for weeks. is regular hand soap effective for preventing flu and coved 19 spread? my family and i have been washing diligently

Accepted Answer

Regular soap is fine: Handwashing with water and any mild soap is fine. There is no need for the added chemicals and "antibacterial" label. Added chemicals will build up in our environment such as lakes, and will haunt us later. Handwashing with hand soap, bar soap, dishwashing soap, shampoo, shower gel... all are fine, and all wash away viruses and bacteria. That means handwashing by itself is already antibacterial.

Question 9

hi! i just popped my molluscum by digging it nail. will hand washing be sufficient to prevent spreading it? i wasnt wear gloves when it happened.

Accepted Answer

M. contagiosum ?'s: Since molluscum contagiosum is a virus and can be spread easily, it is best to do hand washing after contact. Leaving the lesions which do exist alone, will usually result in your immune system eradicating them in a few months.

Question 10

does washing hands after touching cold sore prevent whitlow?

Accepted Answer

: Herpetic Whitlow is caused by direct contact with secretions, from lesions of infected patients, or from secretions of asymptomatic carriers of HSV-1 or HSV-2. So, yes, washing your hands at least 20 secs with soap and water will prevent the lesions from forming on your hands.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Washing to prevent ste

A member asked:

Does regularly washing your hands really help prevent illness ?

A member asked:

My chin always breaks out after performing oral sex on my gf. despite washing my face after. is there a special soap that would help prevent this?

A member asked:

What are some quick remedies to prevent odorous feet even after you keep washing them?

A member asked:

Is frequent hand washing a good way to prevent illness?

A member asked:

Can washing hands prevent the possibility of getting tape worms?

A member asked:

So what can i do to prevent yeast infection? does washing a feminine products everyday will do?

A member asked:

About 4 hours ago i cut myself by washing a drinking glass. what should i do to prevent my knuckles from scarring?

A member asked:

I do not have any antibacterial hand soap and all my stores have been sold out for weeks. is regular hand soap effective for preventing flu and coved 19 spread? my family and i have been washing diligently

A member asked:

Hi! i just popped my molluscum by digging it nail. will hand washing be sufficient to prevent spreading it? i wasnt wear gloves when it happened.

A member asked:

Does washing hands after touching cold sore prevent whitlow?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?