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A member asked:
Is it the soap or water that cleans your hands?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
Yes to both: Water helps to mechanically and chemically remove dirt and water soluble substances. Soap dissolves fatty substances, oils, grease, etc. Soap helps destroy viruses, bacteria by messing with their cell walls; water is better than nothing. Alcohol based hand cleaners, e.g. Purell don't get rid off dirt, but can destroy viruses and bacteria-not spores though-not good enough for c. Diff diarrheas.
Answered 5/25/2012
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Drops of blood dried on glass not very big cleaned with soap and water is it possible to contract HIV or hep from it? Then washed hands after scratch?
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