THE TRUTH ABOUT HAND SANITISER: IS IT DOING MORE HARM THAN GOOD?

Hand sanitisers have become a staple in our daily lives, especially during the pandemic. It's a quick and easy way to clean your hands when soap and water are not available. However, there is a growing concern that hand sanitisers may be doing more harm than good. In this blog, we will explore the truth about hand sanitisers, their benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Benefits of Hand Sanitisers:

Hand sanitisers are effective at killing germs and viruses on our hands. They contain alcohol, usually in the form of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which is known to kill bacteria and viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol are effective at killing most types of germs.

Hand sanitisers are also convenient. They can be carried in a pocket or purse and used on-the-go. They are also quick, taking only a few seconds to apply and dry.

Drawbacks of Hand Sanitisers:

While hand sanitisers are effective, they are not a substitute for soap and water. Soap and water are still the best way to clean your hands, especially if they are visibly dirty. Hand sanitisers are also not effective against all types of germs, including the norovirus, which causes stomach flu.

One of the biggest concerns about hand sanitisers is that they may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overuse of hand sanitisers and antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to these treatments. This can make it more difficult to treat bacterial infections in the future.

Another concern is that hand sanitisers can dry out the skin. Alcohol can be harsh on the skin, especially with frequent use. This can lead to dryness, cracking, and even eczema.

Hand sanitisers are a convenient and effective way to clean your hands when soap and water are not available. However, they are not a substitute for soap and water and should not be overused. It's important to use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol and to use it sparingly. If your hands are visibly dirty, you should wash them with soap and water.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/index.html

2.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195670108005197#:~:text=This%20review%20examines%20recent%20studies%20reporting%20bacterial%20contamination,to%20work%20on%20surface%20decontamination%20of%20the%20device.

3. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology