Hand Sanitizer - How to Best Use It
Hand Sanitizers: What You Don't Know
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We all know that having clean hands is one way to prevent seasonal cold and flu viruses, including H1N1 swine flu. But should you wash with soap and water, or coat your hands with disinfecting gel from one of those dispensers that seem to be appearing in more and more restrooms, offices, hallways and stores?
If your hands aren't actually grimy, the best way to clean them is to use hand sanitizer, James Scott, a microbiologist at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health told "Best Health Magazine." "It reduces the bacterial burden to a greater extent than soap and water," he said. "And your hands stay cleaner longer than if you were to use soap and water."
The waterless gels and foams have also been found to be effective in preventing the spread of viral and bacterial-based diseases like seasonal colds and flus. One study found that college students with hand-sanitizer dispensers in their dorms had fewer complaints of coughs, chest congestion and fever. Plus their risk of getting sick was 20 percent lower than students whose dorms did not have the dispensers.
But the hand sanitzers must contain 60 percent or more alcohol, according to the FDA. Skim past the "kills 99.9% of bacteria" claim on the package and instead be certain that the active ingredient listed is either ethanol or isopropanol, at a percentage over 60.
They also must be used correctly. Make sure hands are free of visible grime and dirt and then apply a palm-full of product and rub vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds, making sure to distribute the sanitizer between your fingers, under your nails and jewelry, on your wrists and on the backs of each hand.
Never rinse your hands with water or wipe them with a towel after using a hand sanitizer -- this will counteract the effect of the product.
Another gold star for hand sanitizers: They tend to be gentler on skin than soap and water. Despite their high alcohol content, which is often thought to make creams and gels drying, one study found alcohol-based hand sanitizers left skin in better condition than antibacterial soap. "Most of the modern hand sanitizers have emollients in them that will actually improve skin condition," Scott said.
But, don't toss your soap dispenser just yet. While the high alcohol content of hand sanitizers can kill bacteria, it doesn't necessarily clean your hands. That is, it does not cut thorough grime like dirt, blood, feces or other bodily fluids. Therefore, soap and water must be the first choice in restrooms. It is also essential in the kitchen as alcohol doesn't kill the foodborne bacteria E. Coli as well as soap and water does.
The best way to wash your hands with soap and water is to rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing front and backs of hands, wrists, and between fingers and under fingernails, according to the Mayo Clinic. Rinse well, dry hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer and, if possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet.
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Krystalbazen 08:40:39 PM Nov 02 2009
It's important to point out that hand sanitizers are only an alternative to soap and water. A study at Emory University suggest that water is most effecting at ridding gastroenteritis viruses. Water basically washes 96% of the virus off of the epidermis. Liquid soaps--88%; Hand sanitizers--48%. In response to a comment posted by Mikey, viruses are not technically alive. The alcohol in hand sanitizers denature the protein coat that surrounds the virus. However, studies have shown that hand sanitizers (containing 62% ethanol) were effective against rotaviruses but not so much noroviruses. Hand sanitizers containing less than 60% alcohol will only distribute bacteria. Hope I offered some useful information. The world is paranoid. Our bodies are designed to be sick from time to time!
Mistorri 08:00:08 PM Nov 02 2009
Bla2706....Money is not the root of all evil....THE LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all evil. As for hand santizers, I say whatever it takes to keep you clean and healthy. If you cannot get to soap and water, use the sanitizers. You handle door knobs, sink handles, and other things that many people have handled, those who do not wash hands, those who pick their noses, etc, all of the bacteria that they have left on the knobs, handles, cans of food, etc are picked up by your hands. So, if you have that on your hands and touch your eyes, nose or mouth...you have just injected your mucus membranes with whatever was on that knob, sink handle, etc. See? For your own safety...use the hand sanitizers if no soap and water are handy. Teach your kids to cover their mouths when they cough. It may help prevent others from catching a cold, cough, virus. Tell them to turn their heads away when they sneeze or cover the nose. No one likes being ill. Remember if your immunes system is low, you can be v
WRP12089 07:38:10 PM Nov 02 2009
im in contact with aircraft thinner every day at work. if that didnt kill everything it touches then i'll be worried about whats on my hands. i never use hand sanitizer. why? because most common colds and flus are airborne infections. ive already had the swine flu, that was just another flu. my theory is if you have a half decent immune system then dont spend money on squirting goo in your hands every ten minutes
Willnax 07:32:10 PM Nov 02 2009
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Mikeytue 07:29:48 PM Nov 02 2009
Bravens I agree with you - if people would just wash their hands as necessary there would be no need for alcohol based sanitizer, but soap and water are not always readily available
