What the hell is the meaning of this question?

groovyangel2008

why might handwashing for a protracted period be counterproductive in reducing numbers of organisms detected on the surface of hands?

Reply 1

username203055

It will open up the pores and so release bacteria from them (harmless pretty much, so you should still always wash your hands anyway) onto the hands, I think anyway lol

Reply 2

groovyangel2008

are you seriouss? is that the answer? i didnt no that..then whats the point in washing your hands?

Reply 3

username203055

Apparently so according to my assistant headteacher with a masters in a related field lol. I explained why above... the bacteria within your pores will be relatively harmless compared to the potential species of bacteria on your skin (again so I'm told).

Reply 4

Oladz

groovyangel2008

why might handwashing for a protracted period be counterproductive in reducing numbers of organisms detected on the surface of hands?

Depending on the topic you or studying, its most likely about bacterial resistance.

Some bacteria may thrive in the perpetually "extra clean" conditions of your hands after developing resistance and due to bacteria who would normally compete with them being unable to survive. This means that any more hand washing will not get rid of the resistant bacteria allowing them to repduce freely so numbers are not decreased.

So yes, there is a point to washing your hands, just dont over do it!

Reply 5

username203055

Actually, the question will want what Oladz described above, I was answering the question as if you were only doing the one hand wash for a long time, ooops lol :smile: