Our hands are in use and in contact all day long - with other people and with different objects. Whether we are on the train, typing on a smartphone or blowing our nose with a tissue: By touching surfaces, bacteria and germs stick to our hands.
By washing our hands regularly and properly, we get rid of potential germs. That is important for our health: Almost 80 percent of all illnesses are transmitted via the hands –especially gastrointestinal infections, pinkeye and the flu.
At the same time, bacteria and dirt can get from the hands to the skin on our face and cause pimples.
However: Washing your hands too often strains the skin and dries it out. That is why you should apply cream to your hands after every wash.