Hand sanitizer comes in a variety of forms, including gel, foam, and liquid. These products kill many types of bacteria and viruses. In most situations, hand washing is preferable, but there are some instances where hand sanitizer is necessary. Here are a few reasons to use one. These products may be sold out, smell like candy, or contain alcohol. Find one that's effective against the type of pathogens you're most likely to encounter.
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Hand sanitizers are not effective against all types of pathogens
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not effectively kill all types of germs. For example, they do not completely eliminate norovirus or Clostridium difficile, two of the most common causes of diarrhoea. Many people prefer hand sanitizers when they are available, but not all people use enough. The liquid on their hands may evaporate before they can rub it evenly. Additionally, ethanol-based sanitizers do not work as well on hands that are already contaminated.
Some commercial hand sanitizers contain alcohol concentrations of 60-95%. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend products with two-propanol. Alcohol acts on microbes in water by causing denaturing of their proteins and cytoplasm. However, alcohol concentrations higher than 80% are ineffective in killing germs.
They can cause alcohol poisoning
Despite the widespread use of hand sanitizers, they can actually poison people. Methanol, the main ingredient in hand sanitizer products, can cause serious poisoning, even death. Young children may accidentally swallow a hand sanitizer and suffer severe symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, but even adults with alcohol use disorder can ingest alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Children shouldn't be allowed to lick or eat hand sanitizers, especially the ones that are alcohol-based. The products can become extremely toxic if ingested by children. They can cause severe symptoms, such as seizures and low blood sugar. The FDA warns that children should never drink alcohol-based hand sanitizer, including the ones that smell like candy. However, they should be given a sweet drink to quell the effects of alcohol poisoning.
They smell like food or candy
While you might be tempted to use soap and water to wash your hands, a hand sanitizer does the same job. Some sanitizers are even scented like food or candy! The resulting odor is very appealing to children, but you should be careful with scented hand sanitizers. These products contain no alcohol and are not meant for children under the age of five.
The fragrances of hand sanitizers vary, so you should test several before choosing one. Some hand sanitizers have a strong, unpleasant odor, while others are unscented. Using unscented sanitizers is also a good idea if you have sensitive skin. Hand sanitizers that smell like food and candy will be more effective than hand sanitizers that don't have any scent at all.
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They are ineffective against COVID-19
The problem with hand sanitizers is that they do not kill the virus. They contain alcohols, which do not denature protein molecules in the absence of water. Alcohols also have low antibacterial activity, so hand sanitizers with higher concentrations of ethanol are ineffective. However, hand sanitizers with 80% ethanol and higher contain fewer toxins and can help combat COVID-19.
The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently to eliminate the virus. Hand sanitizers, such as alcohol and bleach, do not kill the COVID-19 virus. However, you can use diluted bleach and alcohol to disinfect surfaces. Besides, hand washing can kill the virus, so you should clean frequently and avoid touching your eyes and mouth. In addition, if you have COVID, keep your distance from others by avoiding touching their face and eyes.