What Happens When You Use Hand Sanitizer Correctly

In a world where germs and viruses are constantly lurking, hand sanitizer has become an essential tool in our daily lives. We use it to reduce the risk of contracting illnesses, but have you ever wondered what really happens when you use it correctly? Let’s take a closer look.

The Science Behind Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers contain a type of alcohol called ethyl alcohol, which is responsible for killing germs and viruses. When you apply hand sanitizer to your hands, the alcohol works to:

1. Denature proteins: Alcohol disrupts the proteins that make up the outer layer of microorganisms, resulting in their death.
2. Break down cell membranes: The alcohol breaks down the cell membranes of microorganisms, causing them to leak and eventually die.
3. Disrupt lipid bilayers: The alcohol disrupts the structure of the lipid bilayers of microorganisms, making it impossible for them to function.

What Happens When You Use Hand Sanitizer Correctly

When you use hand sanitizer correctly, the benefits are numerous:

1. Reduced risk of illness: Hand sanitizer can reduce the risk of illness-causing microorganisms by up to 99.99%.
2. Effective against a wide range of bacteria: Hand sanitizer is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and E. coli.
3. ** Kills viruses**: Hand sanitizer can kill viruses, including norovirus and influenza.
4. Long-lasting protection: With a proper amount of hand sanitizer, your hands can remain protected for up to 2 hours.
5. Reduces transmission: Using hand sanitizer correctly can reduce the transmission of illness-causing microorganisms from your hands to others.

Tips for Using Hand Sanitizer Correctly

To get the most out of your hand sanitizer, follow these simple tips:

1. Apply the right amount: Apply enough hand sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, wrists, and between your fingers.
2. Rub it in: Rub the hand sanitizer into your hands until they are dry. This helps the alcohol penetrate the skin and kill germs.
3. Pay attention to contact times: Allow the hand sanitizer to sit on your skin for the recommended amount of time (usually 15-30 seconds).
4. Wash your hands afterwards: Washing your hands with soap and water after using hand sanitizer is still important to remove dirt and other substances that may have accumulated.

Conclusion

Using hand sanitizer correctly can be a powerful tool in preventing the spread of illness-causing microorganisms. By understanding how hand sanitizer works and following a few simple tips, you can keep your hands clean and your body healthy. Remember, hand sanitizer is just one part of a comprehensive hand hygiene routine. Combine it with regular hand washing and a healthy dose of common sense to stay safe and healthy!