Even when using tongs or hemostats, if you've been handling prey (and remember that, to a snake or lizard that eats snakes and lizards, other snakes and lizards smell like prey), wash your hands with hot soapy water before feeding your reptiles.
http://www.anapsid.org/handlingreptiles.html
Holding and touching reptiles is a privilege. It should be done with respect, both to the reptile and to other people in the area. Set ground rules for touching, handling, and behavior before allowing such activities to begin.
http://www.anapsid.org/handlingreptiles.html
In fact, most lizards will not (and cannot) become accustomed to being handled. To a lizard, being picked up by something big and ugly (that's you) means it is going to die. The personal downside to handling lizards is that they bite.
http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-a-lizard
To accustom a bearded to handling, scoop it up in your hands, with one hand under the front legs and the other under the hind legs and place it on a warm surface, like your chest. Do not let go if there is any chance that the lizard could fall off. Other lizard species are to be handled as little as possible. Some smaller types, like the day geckos, have skin so fragile that it will tear if they are restrained.
http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-a-lizard
Pros: Relatively small, hardy, docile, unique look. Cons: More expensive than other 'beginner' lizards, can be difficult to find. Further Reading: Note: There are no books currently available on ackies in particular, but some books on small monitor care can be substituted for proper care information.
http://bestpetlizard.com/
If holding or handling a lizard is important to you, a bearded dragon is your best choice. These lizards, though omnivorous when young, are vegetarians, dining quite happily on mixed vegetables and greens. There is nothing they enjoy more than basking under a 105-degree Fahrenheit spotlight.
http://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/enjoying-your-reptile/how-to-handle-a-lizard
General Handling Guidelines Reptiles should be stroked (petted) in the direction of the scales-from head to tail, not tail to head. With some species, the scales of may be lifted, causing injury to the scales and underlying skin, when they are stroked backwards.
http://www.anapsid.org/handlingreptiles.html
When lizards, especially large ones such as monitors and iguanas, try to climb or get settled on someone's chest or shoulder, they may reach a leg up high enough to inadvertently scratch the person's face--and eye.
http://www.anapsid.org/handlingreptiles.html
Bearded dragons, or beardies as they are affectionately known, are a great first pet lizard. Their docile demeanor, relatively small size, and straightforward care requirements have earned them a high rank on our best pet list. Bearded dragons are active during the day and make great display animals.
http://bestpetlizard.com/
These species have been ranked by size, ease of care, handleability, personality, and availability. Whether you are choosing your first pet lizard or adding another reptilian friend to your family, we hope that we can help you make an educated decision on what species may be right (or wrong!) for you.
http://bestpetlizard.com/
what lizards like to be handled
Geckos are the lizards that like to be handled. Gecko is a lizard like to be handled.