There is no recommendation for the proper temperature of hand washing water. But we can be sure that although hot water can help to dissolve sebum, the overheated water will over degrease and destroy the sebum membrane. The water temperature is one of the causes of dermatitis related to frequent hand washing.

 

Regardless of skin tolerance and comfort, water temperature is not a decisive factor in hand microbial removal. In contrast, a study compared water at 4 ℃, 20 ℃ and 40 ℃, with higher temperature water significantly associated with skin damage. Avoid using hot water to wash hands, so as to reduce the possibility of skin damage. However, using supercooled water to wash hands in winter can cause uncomfortable feeling, which may cause medical staff to reduce the frequency of washing hands. In order to improve hand hygiene compliance and better protect hand skin, it is suggested that the water temperature should be at room temperature, which may be slightly higher in cold autumn and winter.