Hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a substance used to kill microorganisms on the hands. These tiny organisms include various bacteria and viruses. It is also known as hand antiseptic, hand disinfectant, or hand rub. It can come in several forms like liquid, gel, foam, cream, spray, or wipes. While washing with soap and water is usually the best method, sanitizer is a convenient alternative. It is especially useful when soap and water are not available.

Most effective sanitizers are alcohol-based. They typically contain ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, or n-propanol. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using products with at least 60% alcohol. For the best results in healthcare settings, concentrations between 70% and 95% are considered optimal. The alcohol works through a specific process. It must be applied for a specific amount of time to denature proteins and lyse cells. This means it breaks down the essential parts of the germ's structure. If the concentration is too low, or if the hands are only rubbed for a short time, the sanitizer may not work.

To use the product correctly, you must follow a specific sequence. First, apply the product to your hands. You must rub it thoroughly over all exposed surfaces. This includes the palms, the backs of the hands, and the wrists. You must also reach between the fingers and around the fingernails. You should continue rubbing for at least 30 seconds. Finally, you must allow your hands to air dry completely. Wiping the sanitizer off before it dries can reduce its effectiveness.

Hand sanitizers are categorized by their active ingredients. Alcohol-based versions are the most common and effective against many germs. Non-alcohol-based sanitizers may contain ingredients like benzalkonium chloride or triclosan. These are generally less effective and are not usually recommended. However, non-alcohol versions are not flammable. Alcohol-based gels are flammable and can produce a translucent blue flame. Because of this risk, users should never use them near heat sources. You should also store them in temperatures below 105 °F.

The history of using alcohol as an antiseptic is quite long. Evidence shows it was used as far back as 1363. More scientific evidence for its use emerged in the late 1800s. The first hand sanitizers were introduced to medical settings in 1966. These were used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The product became much more popular in the early 1990s. Today, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Sanitizers are very powerful against many specific germs. Isopropyl alcohol can kill 99.99% or more of non-spore forming bacteria in less than 30 seconds. Some high-strength rubs with 90% alcohol are more effective against viruses than many other washing methods. They can kill viruses like influenza, herpes, and HIV. They also fight bacteria like tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant strains like MRSA and VRE. However, they cannot kill all germs. They do not work against bacterial spores or certain viruses like norovirus. They also cannot remove physical dirt, grease, or chemicals like pesticides.

There are important safety considerations regarding skin and ingestion. Frequent use can cause dermatitis or dry skin. This happens because alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils. To prevent this, manufacturers often add emollients like glycerol to keep the skin moist. It is also vital that people do not ingest the product. In the United States, the FDA regulates these as over-the-counter drugs. They require labels to warn adults not to swallow the liquid. Ingesting alcohol-based sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in young children. Some brands add denaturants to make the gel taste bad and discourage swallowing.