21/10/2021
How Effective Are Hand Sanitizers? : A Reality Check
The outbreak of has demanded stricter hygiene practices in hospitals, schools, public places, and households all across the globe to slow down the transmission of . WHO advised the general public to take certain vital precautions like maintaining a social distance of at least 6 ft. Whenever in a public place, wearing a face mask at all times while stepping outside from our homes, keeping rooms and other public gathering places like restaurants, classrooms, etc. well- ventilated, avoiding large social gatherings, and frequent washing of hands for at least 30 secs.
One of the most distinguished aspects of these stricter hygiene practices turned out to be hand sanitizers. The popularity and demand for these hand sanitizers soared an all-time high during the initial phases of the global lockdown. People started hoarding hand sanitizers available in the market to such an extent that it turned out to be scarce for the people who needed it the most - The frontline workers. Government and WHO urged the general public to indulge in handwashing with soap and water in order to meet the deficiency of hand sanitizers for hospitals and healthcare personnel.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO HAND SANITIZERS CONTAIN?
Hand sanitizers contain alcohol as their key ingredient. Ethanol, propanol, and isopropyl alcohol are commonly found in them. The main reason that these alcohols are chosen over other alcohols is that they are highly water-soluble and nontoxic when consumed to a certain extent.
HOW DO HAND SANITIZERS KILL GERMS?
Hand sanitizers make efficient use of the alcohol content in them to get rid of harmful pathogens. The alcohol breaks down proteins necessary for the pathogen's metabolism and hence, destroys them. The efficacy of these hand sanitizers increases with the alcohol content in them. Studies have shown that alcohol kills a more vast spectrum of bacteria when its concentration exceeds 60%. Hand sanitizers are most effective when they have an alcohol content of more than 90%.
HOW MANY HAND SANITIZERS SHOULD WE USE?
For effective use of hand sanitizers, place a pea-sized amount of it on the palm of your hand and rub it all over the hands including the fingertips till the hand sanitizer evaporates.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING HAND SANITIZERS?
Hand sanitizers are convenient, portable and an excellent alternative when there is no availability of soap and water.
Hand sanitizers contain certain humectants that help prevent the dryness of the skin.
It has been found that the risk of spreading gastrointestinal tract and respiratory infection is much lower in individuals who use hand sanitizers.
Hand sanitizers are easy and fun to use especially among children.
WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF HAND SANITIZERS?
Hand sanitizers are not effective on greasy hands and do not remove soil or dirt. Hence, conventional soap and water is a fitter option for better cleanliness.
Not all sanitizers contain the same percentage of alcohol. They contain alcohol anywhere between 60 to 95%. Thus, their effectiveness varies according to the brand used. However, hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of less than 60% are less effective.
Hand sanitizers are not cleansing agents and should not be used as a replacement for washing with soap and water.
Hand sanitizers do not kill all the germs. They simply reduce the number of active germs of hands. Hence, they are not efficacious for prolonged durations.
Hand sanitizers are only effective for 2 mins from the time of their application. Thus, they have to be re-applied from time to time to efficiently reduce the growth of germs.
Excessive use of hand sanitizers for prolonged periods can cause skin irritation and eczema.
Hand sanitizers should be kept out of the reach of children as they can have serious health repercussions if swallowed more than a couple handfuls.
When the bottle containing hand sanitizer is opened frequently, some amount of alcohol evaporates and the concentration of alcohol in it decreases. Hence, the effectiveness of hand sanitizers decreases over time of usage.
WHY ARE SOAP AND WATER BETTER THAN ?
Hand sanitizer is a disinfectant and it does not physically remove germs from skin as effectively as soap and water. Soap and water, not only remove the germs but also helps get rid of any dirt or grit from the hands. In addition, soap contains surfactants that lift oils and microbes from the skin. Hence, frequent washing of hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds has been found to be more effective than hand sanitizers.
Thus, to conclude, hand sanitizers should only be used as a precautionary measure when there is no availability of soap and water. Hand sanitizers do not kill the germs entirely as opposed to soap and water which kills almost 99% of germs when hand washed correctly.