When and How to Use Hand Sanitizer

When and how to use hand sanitizing products is a matter of personal preference, but most people do prefer to wash their hands regularly. Hand sanitizers are often alcohol-based and are not as effective as hand-washing. In fact, they might even cause alcohol poisoning. Moreover, hand sanitizers may dry your hands out. If you use hand sanitizers frequently, you should consider using soap.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are becoming more popular

In Australia, the widespread use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers has resulted in decreased hospital-acquired infections. But the use of hand sanitizers has prompted questions about their safety, as a study by Timothy Stinear of the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at the University of Melbourne found that E. faecium bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to alcohol in hospital settings.

Hand Sanitizer

They can cause alcohol poisoning

Many hand sanitizers are contaminated with alcohol, and many are even harmful. Alcohol is toxic when ingested, even in small amounts. Alcohol poisoning symptoms include confusion, drowsiness, and even seizures. Some people are even unable to breathe after ingesting alcohol. Even a small amount can have deadly consequences. For this reason, it's important to follow the instructions on hand sanitizer labels carefully.

They can make your hands dry

While hand sanitizers are essential for germ-free environments, they can also make your hands dry and irritated. When used incorrectly, hand sanitizers can lead to dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin. Use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol to prevent drying. Also, be sure to thoroughly dry your hands before applying a moisturizer.

They aren't as effective as hand-washing

Studies show that hand sanitizers are not as effective as hand-washing when it comes to killing germs. In fact, they often fail to kill a variety of germs, including norovirus and Clostridium difficile. Hand sanitizers also don't work as well on dirty hands because alcohol is not an effective disinfectant.

They are attractive to young children

The alcohol content in hand sanitizer can be the same as the alcohol in a glass of wine, but these alcoholic drinks are unlikely to cause adverse effects in small amounts. These products are generally safe for children to use, but they can be appealing to young children, who may try to lick or drink them. According to Lopez, these products are highly attractive to young children, and parents and teachers should take precautions to prevent children from accidentally ingesting them.