How Effective Are Hand Sanitizers?

If there is one good thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of washing our hands. Wherever you go, there are memes and images informing us of the importance and necessity of hand washing.

Since handwashing took off as an effective way to prevent the spread of Covid-19, so did hand sanitizer. They flew off the shelves of pharmacies and department stores faster than you could say virus. Washing your hands with soap and water remains the preferred method of germ protection. But when you can’t wash your hands, waterless hand sanitizer is the next best thing because it contains alcohol, and alcohol kills germs.

We’ve learnt that Covid-19 possesses a fat layer as a component of the viral envelope. Alcohol dissolves this envelope and inactivates the virus’ lipids and proteins. Remember that the alcohol content is important. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 60% alcohol to kill Covid-19.

Lifebuoy hand sanitizer has 70% alcohol and is effective in killing 99.99% of germs. Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer Total 10 is a gel that’s available in 65ml and 100ml. If you prefer a spray option, choose Lifebuoy Instant Sanitizer in 120ml.

Overuse of hand sanitizer can strip your skin of natural oils, resulting in skin irritation or your hands feeling dry. It can also leave your skin vulnerable to cracking. The correct way to use it is to place a small amount on your hands. Then rub your hands together, rub between your fingers and around your fingertips and nails. Rub your hands together for 30 seconds to allow your hands to dry completely. Remember not to touch food until your hands are dry.

Never leave hand sanitizer where young children can reach it. When ingested by children, it can irritate the lining of the throat and cause gastrointestinal issues. And, according to the FDA in the United States, “drinking only a small amount” can cause alcohol poisoning in kids. If you or your child ingests hand sanitizer, seek professional help immediately.

One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of diseases such as COVID-19, is to wash your hands with soap and water. When soap and water are not available it is recommended to use an alcohol-based sanitizer.