Washing Hands?

Stacy, try doing a search on residue. I know I've seen something here somewhere about what it takes to get rid of pb residue. Good luck.

FYI-I know 2 severely food allergic children who have not had a problem with all the kids using diaper wipes to clean their hands after meals. I don't know if any studies have ever been done. Best of luck with school.

Of course I forgot where I read this but here is my take on the issue. It is not actually the substance you are washing with (soap & water vs. wipes) that matters so much. The crucial thing is the back and forth friction motion of scrubbing or rubbing your hands together. This enables the protein to be broken down.The srubbing or wiping should be vigorous for 15 seconds.

I know where I heard it now... You know how some doctor's offices have tv's showing health updates in their waiting rooms? That's where I heard it.

From my own experience, the kids are much more thorough with the soap and water then the wipes. The wipes they would just do a real quick wipe off and that was it. The wipes ended up being much more time consuming because of having to hover over and say more wipe more.

Good question... First, I was told that using wipes just smears the oil around and doesn't wash it off as well as soap and water does. Then I witnessed it in our allergist's office - our son had a 'touch test' with peanut butter on his back (an extremely minute amount). The Dr. used a wipe to clean the PB off - she swiped his whole back because he had also had a patch test read that day. Before we even left the office, our son was itchy, and by the time we got home his back was covered with hives and was fire engine red. He was screaming/crying in misery. As soon as we saw what had happened, we gave him Benadryl and gave him a bath. He was absolutely fine right after that. I do not believe wipes are sufficient. (Good luck tomorrow!)

Hi, soap and water will work well if proper handwashing techniques are used. Most school nurses or public health nurses will happily do a presentation to classes about how to wash your hands so that dirt and germs and the peanut protein are banished. They also leave behind colouring sheets, pamphlets and posters to be placed beside sinks as reminders. Call your local health department and ask about the programs for your area.

Remember, the protien we are allergic to resides in the nut oil, and oil is not water soluble. This is where soap comes in. Typically soap takes the surface oil off the skin, which is where most bacteria is found, so most soaps break down oil, thus removing the allergen. I've had numerous reactions in the business world from shaking a contacts hands while they get off the airplane. I always make a quick trip to the airport washroom, even sometimes when I don't suspect a problem.

There's an article on cleaning surfaces in the recent FAN newsletter that might be relevant. I can't seem to find my copy but you might want to check it out.

Helen