The demand for hand sanitizers is growing all around the globe amidst the outbreak of the pandemic. Usually, hand sanitizers are used in hospitals to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Nonetheless, it has become essential for everyone to keep a mini sanitizer for good hygiene. Does it work? Can a sanitizer keep your hands clean of microbes? If not, what causes a sanitizer to not work well?
Without further ado, let’s jump in and find out the answers to these queries.
Do Hand Sanitizers Work?
A medical hand sanitizer usually contains 70% or more ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to kill germs effectively. Any sanitizer with less than 60%alcohol will not work as efficiently.
That said, there is one thing you should know that sanitizers don’t remove dirt from the skin. So, the best option to clean your hands thoroughly is to wash them with soap. However, you cannot keep washing your hands every 20 minutes, nor do you have access to water all the time. Therefore, sanitizers are a convenient, quick, and effective solution to disinfect your hands.
Also, it is crucial to learn what causes a sanitizer to not work well so you can avoid making any mistakes.
What Causes A Sanitizer To Not Work Well?
Improper use of sanitizers reduces its disinfecting power. You cannot use sanitizer like a moisturizer. There is a proper way to apply sanitizers to maximize their effectiveness. Often, what causes a sanitizer to not work well is our lack of knowledge about how and when to disinfect your hands.
How to Use a Hand Sanitizer?
The following five steps will help you use hand sanitizer properly:
- First, wash your hands thoroughly and remove dirt from every inch of your hand.
- Once your hands are clean, apply a small amount of any antibacterial gel with 60% alcohol on your hands. Now, rub your hands to make sure it is evenly absorbed.
- Keep rubbing your hands until the sanitizer dries out.
- Don’t touch food or any object until you are sure the sanitizer has dried out.
- Avoid wiping or washing your hands after applying sanitizer.
When to Use a Hand Sanitizer?
There are times when it is necessary to use alcohol-based sanitizers. For instance, after visiting family or friends in hospital or engaging in outdoor activities. Also, you cannot wash your hands when you are outside and have sudden sneezing or coughing fits. At such times, it is imperative to use sanitizer to clean your hands instantly and protect others around you.
4 Things to Know About Using Sanitizers
There is a wholesome list of essential things you need to know about using medical hand sanitizers. Here’s what you need to know to use them safely.
- Experts say that sanitizers contain high amounts of alcohol, their frequent use can cause eczema, skin irritation, and dryness. So, moisturizing your hands can help keep the dryness at bay due to the usage of sanitizer.
- According to FDA, hand sanitizer vapors can cause nausea, headache, and dizziness. Hence, try to avoid using them in places with poor ventilation.
- Sanitizers don’t remove dirt, grease, pesticides, and chemicals from your hands. So, avoid using it on grimy hands.
- Always read the label and ingredients on the bottle before buying. Triclosan is a banned antibacterial agent that may cause antibiotic resistance. Make sure your sanitizer doesn’t have Triclosan.
DISCLAIMER: Hand sanitizers can be harmful if swallowed accidentally.
Conclusion
Hand sanitizer is an antibacterial gel and indeed comes very handy when you are on the go and want to clean your hands. However, they would only work when you use them properly. The right kind of sanitizer with the proper use will undoubtedly kill those germs on your hands. Now that you know what causes a sanitizer to not work well, you can use it correctly and do your routine work without worrying about catching diseases.
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