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Women have more bacteria on their hands than men
Categories: Health & Safety
Cold and flu season has arrived, time to get diligent about hand-washing. Here's another reason for moms, especially, to keep those hands clean: Women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men.
When I first read this, I thought Aha! Proof that I get my hands far dirtier than my husband. But in reality, it has nothing to do with who does more diaper changing or toilet scrubbing. Instead, experts think that the difference is due to pH levels on the skin, use of personal care products, or hormone production.
Both sexes also have a far greater variety of bacteria on their hands than previously thought. Scientists identified over 4,000 types of bacteria, and found that the average hand has 150 different types. Women are also more likely to have bacteria that live under the skin, where they can't be washed away.
Eeew.
In reality, most bacteria are not harmful to humans, including those found in this study. But it is a good reminder that our hands have a life of their own. Keeping them clean -- whether you're a mom, dad, or kid -- helps to prevent those nasty wintertime bugs from settling in.
When I first read this, I thought Aha! Proof that I get my hands far dirtier than my husband. But in reality, it has nothing to do with who does more diaper changing or toilet scrubbing. Instead, experts think that the difference is due to pH levels on the skin, use of personal care products, or hormone production.
Both sexes also have a far greater variety of bacteria on their hands than previously thought. Scientists identified over 4,000 types of bacteria, and found that the average hand has 150 different types. Women are also more likely to have bacteria that live under the skin, where they can't be washed away.
Eeew.
In reality, most bacteria are not harmful to humans, including those found in this study. But it is a good reminder that our hands have a life of their own. Keeping them clean -- whether you're a mom, dad, or kid -- helps to prevent those nasty wintertime bugs from settling in.
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