Holistic Health
Hand sanitisers can ’ t beat old-fashioned handwashing
The now ubiquitous gels can help prevent some infections but shouldn ’ t replace soap and water
The COVI�-1� pandemic made hand sanitisers an essential tool for preventing COVI� infection and promoting overall hand hygiene , so much so that many people hoarded bottles of the precious gel . But despite their efficacy against COVI� , hand sanitisers can ’ t protect against other pathogens as well as simple handwashing with soap and water .
Hand sanitisers can kill several types of bacteria and viruses , like the one leading to COVI�-1� , if they contain at least �0 percent ethyl alcohol or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol . Products that don ’ t meet those thresholds may not be as effective or may simply be preventing germ growth instead of killing them .
“ The alcohol content must be high enough to kill the coronavirus or any other germs ,” �r Carla McWilliams , an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic , said on its website . “ That ’ s why I don ’ t recommend people try to make their own sanitiser . If the alcohol isn ’ t the right strength , the product won ’ t disinfect .”
To use sanitisers effectively , people should rub the gel-like substance on the whole surface of their hands until they are dry .
Because of their convenience , the easy-to-carry gels are a good option for hand sanitising when soap and water are not available , but they shouldn ’ t replace standard handwashing practices . This is because hand sanitisers can ’ t eliminate a number of common dangerous bugs , such as clostridioides difficile ( C . diff ) and norovirus . C . diff , in particular , is a common bacterium that often affects hospitalised patients and can be fatal , representing a major public health threat , says the �S Centers for �isease Control and Prevention ( C�C ).
“ If you ’ re around someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea , always use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds ,” said �r McWilliams . “ Washing your hands thoroughly removes all germs . Hand sanitiser can ’ t do that .”
People should also use soap and water when their hands are visibly dirty or greasy because hand sanitisers may not work well in those cases , according to the C�C . Similarly , hand sanitisers might not be effective at removing harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals from hands , making washing with soap and water preferable .
In addition , repeated use of hand sanitisers may be counterproductive .
“ Hand sanitisers create a film on your hands ,” �r McWilliams explained . “ After you ’ ve used it several times , the film gets thick enough to trap germs inside , rather than kill them . When your hands feel coated or like there ’ s a residue , it ’ s time to wash off that film and start over .”
However , hand sanitisers can still play an important role in hand hygiene and the prevention of infectious diseases , experts say , even if the health crisis sparked by the pandemic has long subsided .
“ COVI�-1� aside , there are all kinds of germs on surfaces — such as the �u , respiratory viruses and bacteria ,” �r McWilliams said . “ Hand hygiene should not go away when COVI� does . I hope that the pandemic has taught people how important it is to keep your hands clean .”
If the alcohol isn ’ t the right strength , the product won ’ t disinfect .
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