Hand sanitizer provides a convenient method to reduce germs on hands when traditional soap and water are unavailable. This portable liquid, gel, or foam product inactivates various microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Understanding its appropriate use is important for maximizing effectiveness.
When Hand Sanitizer is Appropriate
Hand sanitizer is useful when handwashing facilities are not accessible. It is beneficial to use after coughing or sneezing in public spaces, when touching shared surfaces like doorknobs or shopping carts, or before eating outside the home.
It can also be applied before and after visiting someone in a hospital or nursing home. Hand sanitizer functions as a complement to, rather than a full replacement for, thorough handwashing.
When Soap and Water are Essential
Washing hands with soap and water remains the most effective method for cleaning hands in many situations. This is especially true when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, as hand sanitizer may not work well under these conditions. Soap and water physically remove all types of germs, dirt, and harmful chemicals.
Specific instances where soap and water are necessary include after using the toilet, before and after preparing food, and before eating. It is also recommended after changing diapers or cleaning up a child, and after contact with bodily fluids.
Considerations for Frequent Use
Frequent application of alcohol-based hand sanitizer can lead to skin dryness and irritation. The alcohol content, typically ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, can dehydrate skin, causing flakiness, redness, or triggering conditions like eczema. Consistent exposure can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation.
Hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. They are generally ineffective against norovirus, C. difficile spores, and Cryptosporidium. Hand sanitizers also cannot remove visible dirt, grease, or harmful chemicals such as pesticides or heavy metals from hands. It is important to store hand sanitizer out of reach of young children, as ingesting even small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Selecting an Effective Hand Sanitizer
Choosing an effective hand sanitizer involves checking its alcohol concentration. Health authorities recommend using alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol, specifically ethanol or isopropanol. This concentration is important for effectively inactivating a wide range of bacteria and viruses.
While concentrations between 60% and 95% are considered effective, a product with at least 60% alcohol meets the recommended standard. Non-alcohol-based sanitizers are generally less effective at killing a broad spectrum of germs and may only reduce their growth rather than eliminating them entirely. Always check the product label to confirm the alcohol percentage.