Cleaning your hands properly is one way to avoid various illnesses that have become a threat to global health. Although cleaning under running water is an excellent way to prevent some illnesses, hand sanitizers come in handy when there is no water.

Hand sanitizers are in form of gel, liquid, or foam that is meant for the hands to help fight microbial loads. Also, they prevent the growth of micro-organisms that could lead to certain illnesses.

Types of Hand Sanitizers to Choose From

With the convenience of hand sanitizers, it is essential for everyday life. When one does not have access to clean water and soap, sanitizers will save the day.

When shopping for hand sanitisers, there are two types to choose from. These are the alcohol-free and the alcohol-based ones. For the alcohol-free ones, they are appropriate for those that may be irritated by the alcohol content. They contain disinfectants which are quite effective.

On the other hand, alcohol-based ones are more popular due to their efficacy to forestall certain micro-organisms. The secret is to get one that has at least 70 percent alcohol.

With the increased demand for sanitizers, there are more options for consumers. Some will have emollients to prevent dryness while others will have different ingredients.

They are available in varying sizes, there are child-friendly ones, and even various fragrances. Gone are the days when they had a pungent smell that will remind you of the hospital.

Why Use Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are widely available and affordable now than they were a decade ago. You will find them in stores that sell home cleaning products and many other convenience stores at pocket-friendly prices.

Besides this, they are portable and more convenient to use as they can be carried anywhere. Whether you are in the office, shopping, traveling, or in the cloakroom, you can use your hand sanitizer.

Using a sanitizer is not time-consuming as you can do it while on the go. Another advantage is that they lower the risk of spreading some diseases.

Even when clean water is inaccessible, do not be bothered about washing your hands. Sanitizers will be practical.

When to Use Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizer will clean your hands and suppress the growth of some microorganisms. When the hands are not soiled from activities such as a gardening or changing car oil, it is safe to use sanitizers.

If you touch a surface or door handles that are touched by many other people, you need to kill potential germs. It is the same case when you get into contact with other people’s body fluids.

For Proper Effectiveness

One must ensure that they do their best for the hand sanitizer to be effective. The alcohol content should not be less than 70 percent.

The hands must not be soiled or greasy and an appropriate amount should be applied. While rubbing it in, it should cover the entire palms and fingers, and rubbed until fully absorbed. 30 seconds are enough, just like you do when using water.

For efficacy, it should be used regularly especially when one is out there going about their day. Whenever one touches doors, presses buttons in public areas, handles cash, and greets people with their hands, the sanitizer should be used.

Cleaning surfaces is paramount keeping in mind that some illnesses can be transmitted. If an infected person coughs and there are droplets on the surface, it is easy to infect another person.

The moment you touch a contaminated surface and rub your eyes or nose, you will contract the specific illness. Thus a hand sanitizer would help in disinfecting.

What to Keep In Mind

The benefits and efficacy of hand sanitizers depends on proper technique. Also, it is about the amount used, its quality, ingredients, and how often it is used.

There would be no point applying a very small amount only on the palms. It is not practical as it cannot counteract the transmission of infectious diseases. There is no way it will kill or suppress the growth of germs.

Additionally, it should contain the right percentage of alcohol that is safe for use for both kids and adults. Once the hand sanitizers is applied and rubbed correctly, it should not be wiped off. Rather, allow it to air-dry for complete absorption.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if one has an open wound, sanitizing the hands should be avoided. It will irritate the wound and can be quite uncomfortable.

For alcohol-based sanitizers, do not keep them in hot areas such as near a cooker. It is a potential hazard when it comes to heat.

If after sanitizing the skin becomes dry, just moisturize it. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are popular for their effectiveness more than their counterparts.

Hand Sanitizers and Children

With the invention of child-friendly hand sanitizers with an attractive scent such as candy, one should be careful when kids are involved. It does not mean they should not use hand sanitizers, but they should do so with the help of an adult. Why is this so?

Safety should be a concern since sanitizers have ingredients such as isopropyl and ethanol. The scent might attract them to drink the liquid.

Accidental ingestion could be fatal or lead to adverse health issues.

Conclusion

Hand sanitizers are effective if they have the right content, are used regularly and properly. They are more effective if the hands are non-greasy and not visibly soiled. Whether it is an alcohol-free or alcohol-based one, it should be used properly to impede certain micro-organisms.

Hand hygiene should be maintained at all times, and sanitizers play a significant role in doing this. To enhance the efficacy of the sanitizers, one should buy from a trusted brand and use them properly.

Applying it on the entire palm and fingers is the best way to administer it. Proper technique paired with the right quantity will help in eliminating and suppressing the growth of some micro-organisms.

The advantage is that they are widely available and affordable. One should normalize sanitizing their hands, especially when in public.