Hand Sanitizer (Alcohol based)

Hand sanitiser is a liquid or gel formulation which is used to clean and disinfect hands. It is designed to kill or diminish the number of germs and bacteria present on the skin. Hand sanitisers typically consist of alcohol as the active ingredient, usually in the form of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.

The primary motive of hand sanitiser is to promote hand hygiene and help prevent the spread of infections. It is specifically useful in situations where soap and water are not readily available. Hand sanitisers are generally used in healthcare settings, public places, and personal settings to maintain hand cleanliness.

Hand sanitisers come in different sizes, ranging from small portable bottles to larger dispensers. They are accessible in different formulations, including gel, foam, or spray. Some hand sanitisers may also consist of moisturizing agents to prevent skin dryness and irritation.

How to use Hand Sanitiser

To use hand sanitiser effectively, follow these simple steps:

• Apply the correct amount of hand sanitiser on the palm of one hand. Note that using too little may not provide accurate coverage while using too much can result in wastage.
•  Rub your hands together, ensuring that the sanitizer covers all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, and around the nails. 
• Rub for at least 20 seconds or until the hand sanitizer has dried. This duration allows enough time for the sanitiser to effectively kill the germs on your hands.
• Avoid rinsing or wiping off immediately after applying the sanitiser. Let it air dry completely, as the alcohol in the sanitiser needs time to evaporate for maximum effectiveness.

Benefits of Hand Sanitiser

Using hand sanitiser offers several benefits, including:

Convenient and portable: Hand sanitizers are easy to carry and can be used anytime and anywhere,  where soap and water are not readily available.

Kills germs and bacteria: Hand sanitisers contain alcohol or other antimicrobial agents that efficiently kill a broad range of germs and bacteria on the hands, reducing the risk of infections.

Promotes hand hygiene: Regular use of hand sanitiser encourages good hand hygiene by reducing harmful pathogens that can cause illnesses.

Fast and efficient: Applying hand sanitiser takes just a few seconds and provides immediate disinfection, making it a time-efficient option for maintaining hand cleanliness.

Reduces the spread of infections: Hand sanitisers help reduce the transmission of infectious diseases by killing the germs on the hands.

Moveable alternative to handwashing: In conditions where soap and water are not available, hand sanitisers offer a portable and effective alternative to handwashing.

Side Effects of Hand Sanitiser

Possible side effects of hand sanitisers may include:

•  Hand sanitisers that contain alcohol can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, leading to redness, itching, or flakiness.
• Some individuals can be allergic to the ingredients in hand sanitisers, causing skin rash, hives, or swelling.
• Overuse or extended use of hand sanitisers may increase skin sensitivity, making the skin more prone to irritation.
•  Hand sanitisers should not be eaten, especially by young children, as they can lead to alcohol poisoning and other harmful effects.
• Hand sanitisers containing alcohol are burnable, so it is necessary to keep them away from open flames or heat sources.

Precautions for Hand Sanitiser

Here are some simple precautions to keep in mind when using hand sanitiser:

Use on dry hands: Hand sanitiser should be applied to dry hands, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness.

Follow proper dosage: Apply the prescribed amount of hand sanitizer, typically a coin-sized portion, to ensure proper coverage.

Rub thoroughly: Rub the sanitiser all over your hands, including between the fingers and around the nails, until it has completely dried.

Avoid contact with eyes and mouth: Hand sanitiser is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, or any open wounds.

Keep away from flames or heat sources: Keep them away from open flames, sparks, or heat sources.

Supervise children: Keep hand sanitisers out of the reach of children and supervise their use to prevent accidental ingestion.

Store properly: Store hand sanitisers in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. 

Use as a supplement to handwashing: Use hand sanitiser when soap and water are not readily available or as an additional measure to maintain hand hygiene.