To keep us healthy and safe in this environment, alcohol-based hand sanitizers play a key role. In fact, it is a good practice for hand hygiene when soap and water are not available. When hands are not visibly dirty, the sanitizers are one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean hands & stay healthy.
In spite of having all these benefits, yet, there are many misconceptions about alcohol-based hand sanitizers that people usually believe. In this article, we want to take this opportunity to clear & debunk all general myths related to these hand sanitizers. The following points provide a closer look and describe the truth about them.
Myth: Hand Sanitizers Cause Antibiotic Resistance
Truth: A common myth that everyone believes, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause antibiotic resistance. However, the truth is that antibiotics are ingested when we do not clean our hands or don’t sanitize them. But antibiotics operate completely differently when using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The alcohol helps to quickly kill the spectrum of germs, and do not leftover on your skin and make it dry.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not cause antibiotic resistance and are safe to use.
Myth: Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Cause Supergerms
Truth: One of the myths currently spreading out there is sanitizers can create “super germs.” However, the truth is that ethyl alcohol works as an active ingredient in hand sanitizers. It destroys the cell membranes and the proteins. It never left over the skin and never let the germs become resistant or “super germs” on your hands.
Myth: All Germs are the Same
Truth: There are actually two kinds of germs, transient organisms & resident organisms. Resident organisms live on our skin and over its every layer while transient organisms acquire when you touch something, and then they are transmitted inside your body directly or via other objects. It puts you and others at risk for illness and this is why there are some hand sanitizers that are specially made for a specific kind of germ. Although it is fine to use any kind of hand sanitizer to make your hands clean, if you use specific sanitizers for specific purposes, it would be much beneficial.
Myth: All Hand Sanitizers are the Same. The formulation does not matter.
Truth: There are two kinds of hand sanitizers, alcohol-based and non-alcohol-based and these are not the same, they are very different. Both types are made with different formulations and yes, the formulation matters. The active ingredient is important and its formulation affects the antimicrobial efficacy. Their effect on the skin is also different. So, we can say that every hand sanitizer is not the same.
Myth: Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers Contain Triclosan
Truth: Surely, this is a very big misconception; alcohol-based sanitizers do not contain triclosan. There are some countries Like the United States that do not allow triclosan to be used in skincare & hygiene care products.
Myth: Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers can Dry Your Hands
Truth: This is one of the strongest myths that everyone believes. People think that the frequent use of hand sanitizers can dry the skin. In this case, also, the formulation matters. There are hand sanitizers that can be used without damaging the skin. A good hand hygiene practice can be done using alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are a strong preventive measure and reduce the spread of illness-causing germs and the risk of illness. Good hand sanitizers do not cause skin irritation or dry your skin; however, these can also moisturize your hands at the same time.
So, these are some common myths about hand sanitizers that people think are true. However, we have tried explaining and debunking these misconceptions for the clarity and proper knowledge of people.
If you are looking for good quality hand disinfectants or sanitizers, you can visit our website and find a wide variety of these. Check the key features, product descriptions, and reviews and buy that really suits you.
