What Is The Definition Of A Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizers are antiseptic agents used to cleanse the hands when soap and water are unavailable. They're often sold as a way to prevent and protect you from the passage of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens that can cause infections. You can find these hand cleansers at pharmacies, grocery stores, big-box chains and even gas stations.

Identification

A hand sanitizer is characterized by the Mayo Clinic as an alcohol-based cleanser. It's considered a great alternative to the more conventional method of washing your hands with soap and water. Simply squeeze out a dollop and rub the solution over the front and back of your hands to kill germs and prevent infection.

Features

For a hand sanitizer to be effective, it must contain at least 60 percent alcohol, according to the Mayo Clinic. Any less and the cleanser isn't necessarily as successful at killing all harmful bacteria and viruses. Some products do contain upwards of 95 percent alcohol, but they're not considered any more protective than the 60 percent concentration. Check the label before buying any hand sanitizer.

Significance

Hand sanitizers that contain less than 60 percent alcohol simply move the germs around, notes The New York Times in a report about findings in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Actually, these lower-concentration products may mobilize bacteria. Sanitizers with less than 60 percent alcohol can help to transfer pathogens from the treated skin to another surface, where they can easily be picked up by another person.

Function

When applying a hand sanitizer, use enough of the product to wet your hands fully. Rub the cleanser into your skin for roughly 25 seconds. This is how long it should take for it to dry. If you notice that the hand sanitizer dries in less than 15 seconds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that you haven't used enough of the product. To ensure proper use, reapplication is necessary.

Warning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also warns that hand sanitizers won't work as they should on visibly soiled hands or skin. The alcohol is unable to penetrate dirt, feces, blood and other bodily fluids. You must use soap and water in this situation. This can then be followed with a hand sanitizer, but not as the sole method of killing bacteria and viruses.