The microbial flora of the skin consists of transient and resident microorganisms. Transient flora is easier to remove by routine hand washing, because it colonizes the superficial layers of the skin. These organisms are often associated with health-care-associated infections, which can be acquired by touching a contaminated surface or direct contact with patients. Resident flora is attached to deeper layers of the skin and more resistant to removal and less likely to be associated with such infections.
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