Does Hand Sanitizer Work?

While the sanitizer is smart to keep on hand as you walk, healthcare professionals agree that a thorough hand wash with regular soap and water does nothing.

Effectiveness of hand sanitizer

The main ingredient in most hand sanitizers is isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (the principle ingredient in alcoholic beverages). Alcohol has a long history as an effective disinfectant against some viruses and bacteria, as long as there is sufficient alcohol in the solution.

Hand sanitizer is a practical backup if you do not have soap and running water facilities. But in general, sanitizers are not as effective as hand washing. In addition, hand sanitizers can be exhausted and require proper technique and diligence to function properly.

To use the hand sanitizer properly, apply the specified amount as directed by the product label to the palm of one hand, and thoroughly rub the sanitizer on both hands until they feel dry. The CDC recommends that this process should take 20 seconds, like washing hands.

The hand sanitizer is skilled at killing some germs, but not all of them. Here are some germs from which it cannot protect you:

• A parasitic infection that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.

• Clostridium difficile. A bacterial infection that can irritate and cause inflammation in the intestines

What to look for in a hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based sanitizers should contain at least 60 percent alcohol. But any concentration between 60 and 95 percent will work. Alcohol concentrations below 60 percent may reduce germ growth, but it will not completely erase them. Therefore, beware of hand sanitizers with very little alcohol, or hand sanitizers using alcohol substitutes, which are not effective or recommended by the CDC.

Is hand sanitizer bad for you?

There is no evidence that hand sanitizers are harmful to your health. However, if you use hand sanitizer too much, alcohol may irritate your skin. Alcohol-based sanitizers can also cause alcohol poisoning. If more than one mouthful is swallowed, be sure to store any hand sanitizer out of the reach of children.

Why soap and water are better than hand sanitizers

Although using hand sanitizers is better than nothing, the CDC and other health experts say soap and water are the best ways to practice good hand hygiene and protect yourself. The CDC states that hand washing, while it does not kill germs directly, reduces germs on your hands. After eating, sports, if your hands are dirty and greasy, hand sanitizers are not as effective.

The CDC recommends that you wet your hands with running water, turn off the tap, and then clean your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If you do not wash for at least 20 seconds, it makes a lot of difference. Here’s a look at some of the different washing methods and times, so you can get an idea of how much scrubbing 20-30 seconds provides.

The use of soap is more effective than hand sanitizer because soap contains surfactants, which are substances that pick up oils and germs from the skin. Keep in mind that there is no difference between using plain soap and using “antibacterial” soap, as they both prove to have the same effectiveness.

When you are soaked with soap, rub your hands under clean running water and then wipe them with a clean towel. Since germs can be transferred more easily with wet hands, it is important that you allow your hands to dry as soon as you finish rinsing them. Soap and water will effectively prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, but it will not do well against an existing infection.