Another way to get around it is to use the bottom part of your T-shirt or sleeve of your button-down to manipulate the offending area. But, let's step back for a second. Let us forget all which has been taught to us about hygene and social customs. Aren't we a little too paranoid about bacteria? Washing your hands after you use the bathroom is a must, and even I use my shirt to open the door... but bacteria out in the open should be fair game. After all, you'll be exposed to it through the air, why not have some on your hands?

     We need to strenthen our immune system, it's not the filthy ones who get the flu so often if you've noticed. More and more people (especially in lab-condition countries like Japan) weaken their immune system by disinfecting and swabbing everything in sight. When a bacterium does pass through, it goes more or less unhampered in the body, causing rampant infections. Old ladies and people with weak immune systems probably should shield what they have from constant attack. But there is no reason for any healthy individual under fifty to hide out from all the germs the world beholds, put away that anti-bacterial hand lotion before you get yourself sick.