Why we should use hand sanitizer with care?

In this COVID 19 pandemic situation, the use of sanitizer has increased very much to prevent coronavirus spread and to sanitize the hands as well as utensils and even the objects all around. But when you will come across these facts you will be surprised as I'm. Here are some facts about why should we use hand sanitizer with care.

Hand sanitizers are basically liquid, gel or foam generally used to kill infectious microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, etc on the hands. Most of the hand sanitizers are made up of alcohol. These alcohol are a combination of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol, The sanitizers containing 60% to 95% alcohol the most effective. and they simply dissolve the virus and bacterial cells and cause their lysis (break them) hence killing them.

Hand Sanitizer

Sanitizers are inflammable💥💥:

The sanitizers contain a combination of alcohol and alcohol is a volatile substance. They contain alcohol combinations like isopropyl alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol), or n-propanol. But all combinations are not effective only those sanitizers that contain 60% to 95% alcohol the most effective. The alcohol is an inflammable substance i.e. it burns into flames mostly the vapor burns. Hence precautions should be taken while using sanitizer near the fireplace. Recently an accident came where a woman got burnt in the kitchen due to the use of sanitizer.

Decrease effectiveness:

It has been found that on greasy and dirty hands the effectiveness of the sanitizers decreases hence we must be aware and should wash our hand with soap and water instead of sanitizing on greasy hands.

Moreover, the hand sanitizer is not effective against eliminating bacterial spores of Clostridioides difficile, parasites such as Cryptosporidium, and certain viruses like norovirus.

Furthermore, hand sanitizer is not effective in removing chemicals such as pesticides according to the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

There are several non-alcohol based hand sanitizer typically contain benzalkonium chloride or triclosan, but are less effective than alcohol-based ones.

Effect on the skin:

Hand sanitizer may cause skin burning and irritation. Hence in such conditions, they should be stopped from using. alcohol may strip the skin of the outer layer of oil, which may have negative effects on the barrier function of the skin. Also, there is an increased loss of skin lipids that is the lipids in the skin get eroded due to the use of the hand sanitizers.

Ingestion of Hand sanitizer:

Ingestion of hand sanitizer harms both adults and children. So hand sanitizer must be kept out of reach of children and must be prevented from intoxication.

Antibiotic Resistance:

Using hand sanitizers may lower resistance to diseases by killing good bacteria in hands, which helps protect against harmful diseases causing bacteria.

Toxic Chemicals

Hand sanitizers are generally made from dozens of chemicals. Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, which are endocrine disrupters that mimic hormones and could alter normal hormonal functions. Also, they contain parabens, which are present in many skincare products as a preservative. They are used to preserve other ingredients and extend a product's life. These chemicals are harmful to health.

At last, we can conclude that hand sanitizers are always not the best options besides its benefits it has several harmful effects so we must avoid the use of hand sanitizer and prefer soap water over hand sanitizer. Soap and water are best in all conditions.