The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible, hand sanitizer can be an addition to this or when washing with soap isn’t an option.
How does it work?
When hand rub sanitizers were first introduced, there was little research to support how efficient they are and what they did or didn’t do. More research needs to be done however scientists are learning more with time.
The primary ingredient in hand sanitizer is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), a similar form of alcohol (ethanol or n-propanol), or an amalgamation of them. Alcohols have long been famous for killing microbes by dissolving their protective outer layer of proteins and destroying their metabolism.
According to the CDC, hand sanitizers are capable of killing some germs as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water, unless your hands are extremely dirty or greasy.
As we know that every coin has a flip side, same is the case with hand sanitizers. They can kill a majority of germs but there are some exceptions like :
Cryptosporidium
Clostridium difficile
Norovirus
What to look out for?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you should opt for sanitizers that have at least 60% alcohol content. Usually, most products contain between 60-95% of alcohol, but don’t assume that the higher the percentage means that it is more effective. For the hand sanitizer to work effectively, it needs to have some water. Some products that are available claim to sanitize your hands but contain too little alcohol or none at all. These products will not offer the protection you need from germs.
How to use hand sanitizers?
When hand sanitizer does work efficiently, their effectiveness is based on numerous factors which are:
How much you use it
Follow a proper technique
Consistency
A hand sanitizer liquid can come in handy when you are using public transportation, came in contact with someone and shook their hands or touched an animal, after you have touched a random object, and so on.
When not to use hand sanitizer?
You should not use hand sanitizer when you can easily opt for soap and water. Some of the situations where you can’t use them are:
Washing hands is convenient
Your hands are extremely dirty or greasy
You have chemicals on your hands
You were exposed to infectious agents that are not capable enough to be killed by hand sanitizer
You’re in a high-infection situation
Is hand sanitizer bad for your health?
No such survey has posed the fact that hand sanitizers are harmful to your health. Although, if you use it too often, the alcohol in it can cause minor skin irritation. So give your hands some breather from it.
What is the best procedure that you should follow when using a hand sanitizer?
To get the best results from hand sanitizer, take one or two squirts or pumps and rub your hands together. Spread it through front and back, between your fingers, around and under your nails. Moreover, it is advisable to opt for sanitizers that hold the moisturizing power of Aloe Vera and Glycerine like Safekind. It is one of the best hand sanitizer brands in the market. They provide instant protection, anytime and anywhere.
You can’t replace hand sanitizer with cleaning products
According to the Food and Drug Administration, disinfectant sprays and antibacterial cleaning wipes should never replace hand sanitizers. Their job is to clean hard and nonporous surfaces, and not human skin.
In the end, for the safety of yourself and others, wash your hands vigorously after using the restroom or after you are done preparing food.