# Explain why regularly washing hands with soap and water can help to reduce the spread of communicable diseases.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.2 Communicable disease · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Pathogens can be present on the surface of the skin / hands
2. Pathogens can be transferred from hands to another person or to the mouth/eyes/nose (direct or indirect contact)
3. Soap removes / kills pathogens from the surface of the hands
4. So fewer / no pathogens are available to be transferred to a new host, reducing infection

## Key terms

- [communicable disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/communicable-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-regularly-washing-hands-with-4a173819) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.