All You Need To Know About Hand Sanitizer

All You Need To Know About Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is an antiseptic foam or gel-type liquid used for sterilizing your hands when soap and water are not available. The purpose is to remove infectious agents or other diseases caused by organisms that accumulate, especially on your hands, throughout the day.

Hand sanitizer is considered to be an effective infection control practice, similar to PPE, vital for the prevention of contagious diseases. It is perfect for individual use, thanks to its portable nature, and can be carried in your pocket or bag for regular use at home, schools, supermarkets, restaurants or at the office.

The Composition of Hand Sanitizer

When it comes to purchasing hand sanitizer, make sure you choose one that has high-quality, recommended ingredients that are not harmful, as sanitizers can sometimes be too aggressive on your skin, especially for children. The CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based sanitizers with 60% alcohol or higher. You can check this in the product’s label. Sometimes the manufacturer simply describes it as “alcohol 60%,” “isopropyl alcohol,” or “benzalkonium chloride”. The reason for using alcohol-based sanitizers is that they can effectively neutralize many types of germs, viruses and bacteria efficiently when used correctly.

As we mentioned above, using hand sanitizers frequently can sometimes cause dry skin, so many also contain glycerin, olive oil or coconut oil as thickening agents that leave your hands soft and smooth. In addition, some fragrance is usually used. 

Apart from alcohol, hand sanitizers also contain additional antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and quaternary ammonium derivatives.

How and When You Should Use Sanitizer

Sanitizer can be a helpful addition to your hygiene routine. Here’s a list of some situations in which you should apply it:

  • Before and after using the restroom
  • After dealing with garbage
  • Before and after cooking or eating
  • Before entering your home (it is also recommended that you wash your hands as soon as you get home)
  • After being in contact with public areas such as doors, buttons, rails and other surfaces

It is important, however, that you always wash your hands with water and soap if you have been in contact with greasy substances (for example, after servicing your car), gardening, or in contact with harmful chemicals such as pesticides or cleaning substances.

How to apply your sanitizer properly:

  • Apply sanitizer to the palm of one hand.
  • Rub your hands palm-to-palm for about 20 seconds until it dries.
  • Make sure you cover both sides of your hands and all your fingers. Rubbing your wrist is also recommended.
  • Make sure you do not wipe your hands before the liquid is dried because it will make the product ineffective. 

Does Hand Sanitizer Kill Viruses?

The answer to this questions is simple and clear: yes. The efficacy of hand sanitizer depends on numerous factors such as the quantity you use, the correct procedure when applying it and the presence of specific infectious agents such as chlorhexidine (an antiseptic that is used for skin disinfection). All these can contribute to controlling the transmission of contagious diseases including viruses. 

Is It Safe to Use Hand Sanitizer?

There is no evidence that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are injurious to your skin’s health as some people think. In fact, studies have shown that using it properly can prevent disease. It is important that it’s used only when required, as overusing it can cause damage to your skin. Even in hospitals, health care employees use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, which has resulted in improvements when it comes to preventing infections.

 

Most of us would agree that taking care of your health is important. But did you know that one of the most important— and most commonly overlooked—areas of taking care of yourself is personal hygiene? It’s key to staying healthy, starting with washing your hands frequently. And during the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s recommended that you wash your hands every 20 minutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered people’s lives all around the world. As the virus continues to spread, having reached its middle stage now, adopting precautionary measures is a must: washing hands regularly, using personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks, practicing infection control with the help of products like hand sanitizer, and using gloves. 

Staying Safe During COVID 19 As we know, germs, bacteria and viruses are all around us, from the subway to other public places like parks or supermarkets. What we don’t know is that they are present in our homes, too. For decades, we have been using soap to fight these hidden enemies as they can make us sick, but what can you do to keep up your hand hygiene when there’s no running water nearby?

During this COVID-19 pandemic situation, hand sanitizers became highly popular, but the truth is we should use them with or without a pandemic. They should be part of our daily routine.

We have designed this guideline to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that we get in regards to hand sanitizer. We’ve also thrown in some general tips to help you stay safe and healthy!

 What You Can Do to Help Stay Safe

Studies have shown that transmission of COVID-19 viruses from person to person is usually caused when a sick person coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth or nose. By practicing personal hygiene methods and using PPE, you can prevent spreading or catching the virus and remain safe. This starts by washing your hands after using the restroom, before eating a meal and before or after cooking. You should also avoid touching your face. And inevitably, at some point you’ll end up away from home without a sink nearby, In these situations, carrying hand sanitizer is a great preventive measure to help keep your hands clean.

General Tips and Advice to Remain Safe During COVID-19

  • Washing your hands regularly is a simple yet effective approach to fight contagious diseases like COVID-19 and others, as it is the first line of defense against the spreading of microorganisms. 
  • Bring hand sanitizer with you on the go, and practice proper application for the best results.
  • Keep hand sanitizers out of children’s reach and educate them on how to use it properly.
  • Avoid crowded places and large gatherings whenever possible.
  • Maintain a social distance of at least six feet from others.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Use a face mask and disposable gloves whenever going outside.
  • If you have to use your hands in public areas (for example, for opening doors), it is recommended that you don’t use your dominant hand. This is because you’re more likely to use your dominant hand if you accidentally touch your face.

With these few, simple precautions, you can more effectively guard against the spread of Coronavirus and help keep yourself safe!