Hand Sanitizers

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Hand sanitizers are liquid or gel substances designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the skin's surface. They are commonly used to reduce the risk of infection and promote hand hygiene, especially when access to soap and water is limited. Here's what you should know about hand sanitizers:

Active Ingredients:
- Hand sanitizers typically contain one or more active ingredients, such as alcohol (e.g., ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) or non-alcohol-based agents (e.g., benzalkonium chloride). Alcohol-based sanitizers are highly effective at killing a broad spectrum of germs, including bacteria and viruses.
Antibacterial vs. Antiviral:
- Hand sanitizers are primarily designed to be antibacterial, meaning they kill bacteria.However, alcohol-based sanitizers can also be effective against many viruses, including the influenza virus and certain strains of coronaviruses.
Effectiveness:
- Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content are generally considered effective in killing most germs on the hands. They work by denaturing the proteins in microorganisms, effectively neutralizing them.
Convenience:
- Hand sanitizers are convenient and portable, making them suitable for use in various settings, including hospitals, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
- They are particularly valuable in situations where handwashing facilities are not readily available.
Use Instructions:
- To use hand sanitizer effectively, apply a sufficient amount (usually a dime-sized or more) to your hands.
- Rub your hands together vigorously, covering all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails, until the sanitizer dries completely.
Hand Hygiene:
- Hand sanitizers should not replace regular handwashing with soap and water. Handwashing remains the gold standard for thorough hand hygiene, especially when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with chemicals.
- Hand sanitizers are most effective when used on clean hands.
Skin Care:
- Frequent use of hand sanitizers can sometimes lead to dryness or irritation of the skin. It's important to choose sanitizers with added moisturizers and to apply hand cream or lotion as needed to keep the skin hydrated.
Safety Considerations:
- Hand sanitizers are for external use only and should not be ingested.
- Keep hand sanitizers out of reach of children, as they may contain high alcohol concentrations.
- Store hand sanitizers away from open flames or sources of heat, as alcohol is flammable.
Pandemic and Disease Control:
- Hand sanitizers gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means of reducing the spread of the virus. They were recommended when soap and water were not readily available.

Hand sanitizers play a vital role in maintaining hand hygiene and reducing the transmission of infections. They are an important part of public health measures, especially in situations where regular handwashing is impractical. It's important to choose a hand sanitizer with the appropriate alcohol content and to use it correctly to ensure its effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection.