Hand Hygiene is one of the most important hygiene practices and a hand sanitizer plays an important role in hand hygiene. The blog is all about the hand sanitizer facts, involves not only the benefits of alcohol-based hand sanitizer but also the harmful effects of it.
We all are using hand sanitizers much more than ever before. Proper use of sanitizer may save all of us from bacteria and viruses. When you are outside, riding in a car, playing in a park, or just shopping, it's not always possible to use soap and water to wash your hands. This is where we all have to rely on our alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Especially during times like these when we are combating the COVID-19 pandemic, frequent use of sanitizer is recommended by the government itself.
• Hand sanitizers are convenient, portable, easy to use, and not time-consuming.
• Sanitizers encouraged Hand Hygiene
• Several studies have concluded that the risk of spreading gastrointestinal (stomach) and respiratory infection is decreased among families who use hand sanitizers.
• Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products helps to reduce skin dryness and avoid frequent hand-washing.
Good vs. Bad Bacteria
Bacteria are behind a number of serious diseases. Examples of some Harmful Bacteria present on skin are- S. aureus and S. pyogenes (Pathogenic Bacterias). To prevent contamination from those bad bacteria need to disinfect our hands or exposed surface of the skin as they become a source for carrying multiple diseases. Yet, not all bacteria are bad; our body is home to an estimated 100 trillion “good” bacteria. Not only do we live in harmony with these beneficial bacteria, but they are actually essential for our survival.
When discussing Good Bacteria’s like S. epidermidis, S. Hominis, and R. Mucosa:- A strain of S. epidermidis produces antibiotic-like compounds called bacteriocins. They also enhance the immune response to pathogenic bacteria via interferon, other cytokines, and phagocytosis. When helpful bacteria multiply and thrive in our bodies, they act as our protectors. But sometimes, we put the population of beneficial bacteria at risk by using frequently “Alcohol-based hand sanitizers.”
Unpleasant side effects of using hand sanitizer:-
There are some unpleasant side effects of using hand sanitizer every day likewise;
• Excessive use can disrupt your microbiomes-
Sanitizer is a little too good at killing bacteria and that is how it keeps us safe from a variety of illnesses. But another aspect of this is, sanitizer can affect the body's microbiomes in a few ways, which can be bad for us. The only solution to this is that people should use hand sanitizer with caution and only when they don't have access to soap and water.
• Excessive use can create stronger bacteria (antibiotic-resistant)-
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hand sanitizer with antibacterial ingredients can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistance bacteria. So, in order to prevent creating those scary little microbes, washing your hands instead of reaching for the bottle of sanitizer should be practiced, as much as possible. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria can develop the ability to tolerate the drug that otherwise should be able to kill them.
• Hand sanitizers cannot effectively remove dirt and grime-
If your hands are visibly soiled, hand sanitizer won't work. Hand sanitizer does not remove dirt and is less effective at killing germs viruses when the hands are soiled.
• Excessive use can make your hands dry-
On using hand sanitizer every day, you might have noticed your hands have become incredibly dry. The alcohol in hand sanitizer can dry out your skin, but this can be fixed by using hand moisturizer and staying hydrated or simply opt for soap and water to clean your hands.
• Ingesting and inhaling sanitizer every day can increase your risk of alcohol poisoning-
If you ingest hand sanitizer, which is a terrible idea, you are at risk of alcohol poisoning. If you touch some on your lips by accident, it's not an issue. But if you gulp some mouthful, you might be in trouble. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that children are particularly at risk of ingesting hand sanitizer, especially if it's scented, bright color or attractively packaged. So, keep it away from the reach of children.
• Hand sanitizer can prove dangerous if these are mixed with chemicals-
If you work with chemicals all day, you surely want to make sure your hands are clean at the end of the shift. If you work with ultra-strong cleaning, de-greasing agents, and pesticides, hand sanitizer is the last thing you should reach out for. This is because the combination of liquid gel and chemicals can be really harmful to your body. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, farm workers who used hand sanitizer had increased levels of pesticides in their bodies as opposed to those who didn't.
Hand sanitizers are not cleaning agents and are not meant as a replacement for soap and water, "Relying on hand sanitizers to keep hands clean may not be your best strategy," Remember that washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus. Sanitizers may clean your hands if soap and water are not available, but they may be less effective if your hands are dirty. If you are quarantining at home, there is no reason to store alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Soap is the best option you may prefer.
About The Author:
Dr. Navneet Batra
[Professor]
Website: Corporate Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal
Email Id : Prof.acharya1@gmail.com
Corporate Institute of Pharmacy, Bhopal
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