Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Jimbee on 07/12/2023 19:59:41

Title: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: Jimbee on 07/12/2023 19:59:41

Immunologist: was your hands frequently, especially in the winter, which is cold season. Dermatologist: don't wash your hands frequently. That will dry them out, especially in the winter.

So which one is right?

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: alancalverd on 08/12/2023 17:20:31

Food safety inspector: wash your hands after each operation and at least every 15 minutes even if you don't change station.

I haven't worked in a messy location for years - do people still use barrier cream? The idea is to coat your hands with a material that prevents grease, dirt and mild irritants (eg dilute acids) reaching the skin, and can be removed with a gel detergent  (Swarfega was the industry standard). 

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: paul cotter on 08/12/2023 17:31:09

Hi Alan, have you ever used swarfega on a regular basis? I have, after engine work, and it has a very severe defatting effect leaving your skin like cracked sandpaper.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: Zer0 on 08/12/2023 17:37:56

Quote from: Jimbee on 07/12/2023 19:59:41

So which one is right?

If you had to Choose one of Them, which One would you pick?

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: alancalverd on 08/12/2023 21:46:14

Quote from: paul cotter on 08/12/2023 17:31:09

Hi Alan, have you ever used swarfega on a regular basis? I have, after engine work, and it has a very severe defatting effect leaving your skin like cracked sandpaper.

Which is why we always started with barrier cream. The Swarfega just removes the barrier cream and all the  crud on top of it.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/12/2023 00:37:33

Quote from: alancalverd on 08/12/2023 21:46:14

The Swarfega just removes the barrier cream

And then stops... by magic.
Because it knows that the greasy stuff that you put on your skin is different from the greasy stuff that's part of your skin.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: paul cotter on 09/12/2023 07:54:45

Agreed, BC. Swarfega will tear through any protective barrier and turn your skin to parchment, if used on a regular basis. Been there, done that, as is said. An occasional use for heavy contamination is ok.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/12/2023 11:58:33

Worth reading the instructions on the tin. Once the Swarfega has emulsified the barrier cream, you wash it off. Basic principle of surfactants. Problem is that practically everyone uses far more surfactant than they need, which is good for detergent manufacturers but not for the skin or the environment.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: Bored chemist on 09/12/2023 12:35:36

Quote from: alancalverd on 09/12/2023 11:58:33

Worth reading the instructions on the tin. Once the Swarfega has emulsified the barrier cream, you wash it off.

You suggest it's a 2  or 3 stage process.
The instructions give 4.
"? Apply small amount directly to soiled hands
? Rub in to loosen dirt
? Add a little water and continue rubbing
? Rinse with plenty of water and dry thoroughly"
From
https://www.deb-disposables.co.uk/files/ww/SWA157A_info.pdf

Did you read them?

In any event, you are ignoring the fact that the stuff does emulsify skin oils along with the barrier cream because it can't tell the difference.
That's why Paul says it does.

Title: Re: Wintertime and Hand Washing. Whose Directions Do You Follow?
Post by: alancalverd on 09/12/2023 17:38:58

Quote from: Bored chemist on 09/12/2023 12:35:36

Apply small amount directly to soiled hands