Sanitize Cuts: The Truth About Hand Sanitizer

Listen up, folks, we’re in the midst of a pandemic and hand sanitizer has become as important to us as our cellphones. But just like how some people shouldn’t be trusted with their phones (we all have that one friend who takes way too many selfies), there’s a lot of misinformation around sanitizers too. You can either trust your grandma’s social media posts or read on for the truth about hand sanitizer.

What is Hand Sanitizer?

You’ve probably been using it religiously for months now, but do you even know what this magical potion is? Hand sanitizer is nothing more than alcohol-based gel or liquid that kills germs on your hands when soap and water are not available. That’s right! It may look like unicorn tears in a cute little bottle, but its job is serious business.

Types of Hand Sanitizers

All hand sanitizers perform pretty much the same task – killing germs- but there are different types available in the market so let’s take a closer look at them:

Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers use ethanol or isopropanol as an active ingredient to fight against bacteria, viruses and other bad guys lurking on your skin. They have varying percentages of alcohol-content ranging from 60% all the way up to 90%.

Pro Tip: Use 70% alcohol content based sanitizers because they work best!

Non-Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers

Non-alcoholic versions of hand sanitizers often fall under two categories- benzalkonium chloride or triclosan/Triclocarban. Benzalkonium Chloride kills by disrupting the outer membrane while Triclosan (and most commonly) breaks protein bonds leading to death by lysis (“death by lysis” sounds like metal band name though) of the germ (Disclaimer: No germs were harmed in writing this article).

Does Hand Sanitizer Kill COVID-19?

This is a question of epic proportions. First and foremost, let’s get one thing clear – hand sanitizer does help to prevent the transmission of viruses such as Coronavirus or flu (our friendly neighborhood virus). The alcohol content in the hand sanitizers helps to destroy the outer lipid layers of these nasty little organisms; thereby rendering them useless.

However, studies suggest that while hand sanitizers are effective against many bacteria and viruses, they may be less reliable at killing certain SARS-CoV-2 viral strains (“less reliable” like my high school crush who always forgot we had plans). So basically what we’re saying is that when it comes down to saving yourself from those pesky germs – Always Go for Soap & Water! Use sanitizers only as your second option.

Pro Tip: Okay confession time! We’re just trying to convince you into washing hands more often so you can sing Happy Birthday twice a day (It’ll make your life feel like a musical)!

How To Clean Your Hands With Hand Sanitizer?

Now that you know about different types of sanitizers, let’s talk about how should you use them:

  1. Take sufficient amount on palms
  2. Rub it evenly across palm and fingers.
  3. Don’t forget areas between fingers (Hiding places for smelly stuff)

Fun Fact: A mini bottle fidget-spinner size can dispense up to 350 sprays making sure no bad guy survives even if he has come wearing something hazmat suit from Chernobyl.

Another mistake people make with sanitizer is? Not waiting long enough – give it some time (~30 sec) guys.

Also please note: When using benzalkonium-chloride-based non-alcohol disinfectants which have levels fixed at 0..13%, it is recommended to keep your hands wet with the sanitizer for at least 15 seconds.

The Pros and Cons of Hand Sanitizer

Just like every over-protective parent, we’re worried about our kids’ health (metaphorical dear readers please) but we also understand that anything in excess can lead to problems. So here’s a list of pros and cons associated with hand sanitizers:

PROS

  1. Killing germs- Well d’uh!
  2. Convenient – Come on, they fit inside pockets.
  3. Reducing infection risk – #LifeHack.
  4. Almost no effort or extra Time Required.

CONS

  1. Compromising skin barrier (use it, do not abuse it).
  2. Increased risk of bacterial resistance
  3. Not Efficient on Dirtiest Hands
  4. Unpleasant Smell.

Pro Tip: We have just one thing to say regarding this – Solution? MoMo (skips away)

Final Word: Are You Obsessed Much?

You see people around with their little bottles making sure nothing touches them (Mysophobia much?), and after reading all this information you might wonder about how obsessed some are in preventing germs from attacking them.

We get it! Sanitizing products are pretty great, but don’t forget that hand washing is still better IMO; though choosing wisely between these options can certainly lower down your germ exposure so best to stay safe rather than sorry!

Hold the O.C.D., fight off those infections in style.#sanitizeaway

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