Alcohol-based hand sanitizers provide a portable, waterless method to rid the hands of germs and bacteria. However, many are confused as to whether hand sanitizer is suitable to replace hand washing or instead should serve as a supplement to soap and warm water. Because clean hands are a vital aspect of preventing the spread of illness and germs, using the correct methods at the right time can help you and your loved ones from becoming ill.
Significance
Hand sanitizers use alcohol as an active ingredient. It kills bacteria and viruses when exposed to the hands and does not require any liquid, such as water, to rinse it away. Proper hand washing involves putting antibacterial soap on the hands, rubbing them together vigorously for at least 20 seconds and then rinsing them with soap and warm water.
Features
Hand sanitizer has been shown to make a significant reduction in the spread of illness, according to the Medical News Today website. A 2004 study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that families who used a hand sanitizer with an alcohol base were 59 percent less likely to experience a gastrointestinal disease than those who did not. Washing the hands with soap and water is helpful in ridding the hands of visible dirt, germs and bacteria. Because many germs enter the body via the hands touching the eyes, nose or lips, using a method to clean the skin is vitally important.
Considerations
For your hand sanitizer to kill bacteria and viruses sufficiently, the hand sanitizer must contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Versions that contain lesser amounts of alcohol may not be enough to kill harmful pathogens, according to "The New York Times." While hand sanitizers are useful in killing bacteria on the hands, they are no replacement for soap and water when the hands are visibly dirty. Because hand sanitizers do not involve the use of water, hand sanitizers cannot clean away dirt.
Methods
Whether using hand sanitizer or soap, simply applying the soap or gel alone is not enough to kill germs. When washing the hands, a person should first wet them under warm, running water; apply soap; lather for at least 20 seconds; rinse; and dry your hands off with a towel or dryer. A hand sanitizer requires rubbing the hands together for at least 25 seconds. The hands should feel dry to the touch.
Expert Insight
According to the ABC News website, a person should use soap and water whenever these two items are available or if your hands are visibly dirty. You can, however, use hand sanitizers when you do not have access to soap and water, yet you still need to kill germs, such as after blowing your nose, touching a sick person or handling contaminated items, such as garbage.
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