What is the primary role of hand hygiene in infection control?

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control because its primary role is to prevent the transfer of pathogens. This is essential in healthcare settings and everyday life settings to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. When hands are washed properly, pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are removed from the skin's surface. This practice significantly decreases the likelihood of these microorganisms spreading to patients, among healthcare workers, or to family members and the community.

While moisturizing hands and enhancing the skin barrier are beneficial in maintaining skin health, these are not the main objectives of hand hygiene protocols in infection control. Similarly, while removing dirt can be a part of handwashing, the process is designed primarily to eliminate harmful microorganisms rather than just visible soil. Thus, the focus on preventing the transfer of pathogens highlights the primary goal of effective hand hygiene in maintaining health and safety.