Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and governments have been strongly advising people to protect themselves through proper hygiene practice, particularly by wearing face masks and the washing of hands regularly with soap and running water. However, there are instances when hand sanitizers are required as an easy alternative when washing hands with soap and water is not convenient or possible.
Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol such as ethyl alcohol which is an active ingredient that acts as an antiseptic. However, it is important to note that unlike hand washing, hand sanitizers cannot physically remove harmful chemicals. People may wipe off the hand sanitizer before it has dried, and some hand sanitizers are less effective because of their very low alcohol concentration.
These days, there is a lot of information circulating publicly about hand sanitizers. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about hand sanitizers.
Does using hand sanitizers excessively create antibiotic resistance?
The answer is no. According to the World Health Organization, using hand sanitizers excessively does not create antibiotic resistance. Unlike other antiseptics and antibiotics, pathogens, which are the harmful germs, are not resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers.
Are alcohol-based sanitizers safe for anyone to use?
Yes, they are. The alcohol content in hand sanitizers do not cause any relevant health issues because the amount of alcohol absorbed into the skin is very little. Moreover, most of these products contain an emollient that reduces skin dryness. Allergic contact dermatitis and bleaching of the hair on hands due to alcohol are very rare adverse effects. In rare cases, accidental swallowing and alcohol intoxication have been reported.
Are wearing gloves safer than cleaning your hands frequently?
Wearing gloves risks transferring germs from one surface to another and contaminating your hands when removing them. Wearing gloves does not replace the cleaning of hands. Health workers wear gloves only for specific tasks.
Key Times to Wash Hands
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands frequently, especially during these key times when you are likely to contract and spread germs:
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• After being in contact with people and using a public facility
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
The list does not just stop there. There are also other times when it is equally important to wash your hands. You can choose the type of hand sanitizer based on its purpose. For example, when handling food, our hands must be sterile and free of germs. However, sometimes the concern is whether the use of hand sanitizer is considered safe when coming in contact with food or whether there are chemical residues left on the surfaces that we have sanitized.
For this reason, the use of water-based hand sanitizers can be the solution. Zoono, a water-based hand sanitizer with nanotechnology, effectively kills microbes up to 99.99% and forms a bond on the surface so that its effectiveness lasts for days. Because it is alcohol-free, Zoono is safer than other sanitizers and is also food grade, making it safe to use when handling food.
It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves and to take care of those we love. Using hand sanitizers alone may not be sufficient. Washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask, maintaining at least a 1-meter distance from others, and avoiding crowds are great practices to follow in preventing the infection and spread of COVID-19.
Sources
Mythbusters (who.int)
When and How to Wash Your Hands | Handwashing | CDC 
