Can You Sanitize Your Hands?

In this modern era, hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing threat of pandemics, it’s more important than ever to maintain good hand hygiene practices. But, can you truly sanitize your hands?

What is Hand Sanitizing?

Hand sanitizing involves using a liquid, gel, or foam that contains abrasives and antimicrobial agents to reduce the number of microorganisms on your hands. This is in addition to washing your hands with soap and water, which is still the most effective way to remove dirt, grime, and microorganisms.

How Does Hand Sanitizing Work?

Hand sanitizers work by using chemicals that disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms, causing them to die or become inactive. These chemicals, commonly found in ingredients like ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and triclosan, are designed to be effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The myth: “Sanitizing Your Hands Kills ALL Germs’

Unfortunately, hand sanitizers are not a guarantee of 100% effectiveness. In fact, some studies have shown that hand sanitizers can be ineffective against certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For example:

• Some viruses, like norovirus, are resistant to sanitizers and require soap and water to be effective against.
• Certain bacteria, like MRSA and C. diff, can survive on surfaces and skin even after being sanitized.
• Fungi, like Candida, can also remain on the skin and surfaces even after sanitizing.

The Reality: So-Called “Superbugs” and Antimicrobial Resistance

The problem is that overuse and misuse of hand sanitizers can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making it harder to combat infections. This is particularly concerning for healthcare settings, where the spread of resistant bacteria can have devastating consequences.

Best Practices for Hand Hygiene: A Balance Between Washing and Sanitizing

While hand sanitizers can be a useful tool, it’s essential to balance their use with good hand washing practices. Here’s what you can do:

1. Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
2. Sanitize Your Hands: Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available, such as when you’re outside or in a public place. Choose a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% ethanol-based and follow the product’s instructions.
3. Combine Both: Use hand sanitizers in conjunction with hand washing to create a multi-layered approach to hand hygiene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hand sanitizers can be a helpful tool in maintaining good hand hygiene, they are not a guarantee of 100% effectiveness against all germs. By balancing hand washing with hand sanitizing, we can create a more effective and evidence-based approach to preventing the spread of infections. Remember, good hand hygiene is only one part of a comprehensive plan to stay healthy – so, keep washing and sanitizing those hands!