Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizer Lotions
Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizer Lotions
Hand sanitizers can provide a level of protection against germs and viruses, including the coronavirus, but their effectiveness largely depends on their formulation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that not all hand sanitizers are equally effective; for optimal protection, a sanitizer should contain at least 70% alcohol
Limitations of Hand Sanitizers
While hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water are unavailable, they are not a complete substitute. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible, as this method is generally more effective at removing certain types of germs. Additionally, excessive use of hand sanitizer can lead to skin irritation and dryness, which may compromise the skin’s barrier and potentially lower resistance to illness .
Recommendations for Use
If you must use hand sanitizer, it’s advisable to follow up with a moisturizing lotion to help mitigate the drying effects of alcohol-based sanitizers. This can help maintain skin health while still providing some level of protection against germs. In summary, while hand sanitizers can be effective in reducing germs, they should be used as a supplement to handwashing, not as a primary method of hygiene.
