DEAR DR. ROACH:
Everyone knows that they are supposed to wash their hands after using the toilet, but does that advice only apply when using a public toilet? Since whatever came out of the person is technically theirs, do they need to wash their hands at home if they live alone? And can you also address whether it makes sense to wash your hands before using the toilet and then afterward, too? Thank you! I’ve never seen these points addressed. — J.A.H.
ANSWER:
Yes, you absolutely should wash your hands after using the bathroom each time. Studies clearly show that you get bacteria on your hands while using the bathroom. Washing hands every time reduces the risk of diarrheal illnesses, colds and foodborne illnesses. It’s poor hand hygiene that leads to most outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses.
Put more directly, you risk infecting others or reinfecting yourself if you don’t wash carefully after using the bathroom.
You should wash your hands before using the bathroom if your hands have been someplace where you might contaminate yourself later. This includes preparing food, such as raw meat, or if you have touched somebody who might be sick. Frequent handwashing dramatically reduces the likelihood of getting infections, especially respiratory and gastroenterological infections.
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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
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