How Effective are Hand Sanitizers?

 

Hand sanitizers have gained a lot of popularity and prominence, especially after the pandemic which has made everyone realize the importance of hygiene. So much so that you can’t enter a hospital, store, mall, or just any place without getting your hands sanitized at the entrance. However, the real question is if hand sanitizers are really effective. Hand soaps and hand sanitizers are two terms, often used interchangeably. However, they are meant for different purposes and circumstances. While hand sanitizers are great to have on hand when on the go, healthcare professionals are of the opinion that nothing can beat a thorough hand wash with regular soap and water.

 

The effectiveness of hand sanitizer

 

Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (the principal ingredient in alcoholic drinks) is the key ingredient in most hand sanitizers. Having a long history of being effective against some bacteria and viruses, alcohol in the right quantities can help with disinfection, when used in hand sanitizers. 

 

In the absence of access to soap and running water, hand sanitizers can prove to be a practical backup. However, as mentioned previously, they are less effective than hand washing. For optimum results, it’s also important to ensure that your bottle of sanitizer isn’t expired and is bought from the best hand sanitizer brand. Proper technique and diligence are equally important here. Enough volume must be spread evenly around the hands, as far as possible. 

 

The correct application process is to apply the specified amount as directed on the label to the palms of your hand and rub it thoroughly over both hands until they feel dry. The entire process must take 15-20 seconds, similar to hand washing. 

 

While hand sanitizers can help disinfect and are effective against some microbes, below-mentioned are some germs they won’t protect you against:

 

·        Cryptosporidium: A parasitic infection causing gastrointestinal and breathing issues.  

·        Norovirus: A viral infection causing diarrhoea and vomiting. 

·        Clostridium difficile: A bacterial infection causing inflammation or upset stomach. 

 

What to look for in a hand sanitizer?

Alcohol-based sanitizers with the right proportions of alcohol are considered the best. Ideally, your sanitizer must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. A concentration less than 60 will be able to reduce the growth of germs but won’t eliminate them completely. Steer clear of sanitizers with too little alcohol or the ones that use alcohol substitutes.

 

Is hand sanitizer bad for you?

There’s no evidence that can prove that hand sanitizers can harm your health. However, when used excessively, they may cause minor skin irritation. Using too much of it can cause hand dryness, leading to cracks and even bleeding. It can also worsen eczema if you have it. When swallowed in large quantities, alcohol-based sanitizers may also cause alcohol poisoning. 

 

When to use hand sanitizer?

That doesn’t mean that hand sanitizer aren’t at all useful. In the absence of soap and water, you can and must use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content in it. Their ease of availability, their size which is ideal enough to be carried in pocket or purse, and their ability to reduce the microbial load, all make them an ideal disinfecting solution. 

 

The bottom line on hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are great for everyday usage, especially at times when you don’t have access to soap and water. However, whenever you can, wash your hands instead. Have it as a basic necessity at home, just like you would have a blood pressure checker. 

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