What is defined as the “covered areas” of the body?
This is dependent on the normal practice of each community and follows the area of the body that is normally covered majority of the time.[1] Thus the face, neck area up until the chest, and from the elbow and down, is today considered normally uncovered areas and don’t require washing of the hands upon being touched.[2] In those areas that it is common to walk barefoot, the feet are considered an uncovered area. [Nevertheless one is to wash his hands upon touching the feet even in such a case, due to the evil spirit.[3]]
[1] Machatzis Hashekel 4:23 [brought in M”B 4:53; Kaf Hachaim 4:99]
[2] Michaber 4:21; M”B 4:53; Kaf Hachaim 4:99 in name of Beis Yosef 92; Kol Bo; Taz 92:2; M”A 4:23; Elya Raba 4:14; Soles Belula 4:2
[3] See Kaf Hachaim 4:73 brought in footnotes.