Even repeatedly washing your hands before caring for patients was frowned upon, or contraindicated.
That's a pretty interesting information for us! What could be their logic back then!!
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Actually, I would also like to know what logic was behind that idea.
My brother told me that there is a possible explanation in records from previous centuries, which indicate that when washing hands, strong alcohol was usually used at the end. The repeated use of the chemical caused damage to the skin, which could explain why it was considered contraindicated.
This history of strong hand hygiene products is also related to the development of the first industrially manufactured surgical gloves. The idea was to achieve greater protection for patients, without damaging the skin of their hands.
I was looking for more data on my own, and it seems that it was not until the 19th century, with Florence Nightingale, that the issue of hygiene was taken more seriously. Not only did she mark it as a must-have, but she compiled data that allowed her to argue with statistical analysis that better hygiene meant reduced risks, and a higher survival rate.
It make sense. However, it was from the doctor's-skin-safety point of view. Not from the perspective of safety of the patients.
Thanks for the additional information.
In Nightingale's case, it appears that she did focus on the issue of patient safety, health, and survival. At least that is what is reported in the records I have seen :)