Raise your hand if you have a
bottle—or 40—of hand sanitizer in your possession. There's just one problem:
that hand might be cracked and dry. Hand sanitizers have a number of negative
side effects that can harm your skin, among other things. They're an important
tool to fight against COVID-19, but they come with their own set of issues. We
asked top experts how to reduce pain so that you can continue to use hand
sanitizers without issues. best hand sanitizer wipes antibacterial
1. Using Hand Sanitizers Increases Your Eczema
Risk
The CDC recommends washing hands
frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of
the coronavirus or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
if soap and water are not available. It is critical to follow that advice, but "Hand
dermatitis, also known as 'eczema,' can be exacerbated by increased exposure to
irritants and allergens. Redness, dryness, cracks, and even blisters commonly
appear on the skin, causing itching and pain."
"Hand dermatitis can be
avoided by using a moisturizer that contains mineral oil or petrolatum. When
using a hand sanitizer, it is not necessary to apply moisturizer immediately
after washing your hands. Individuals should rub their hands together for 15-30
seconds, then apply hand sanitizer to all surfaces until they are dry, and then
moisturize "Dr. Nelson agrees.
2. Your Skin May Be Irritated by Hand Sanitizers
"The primary disinfectant in
hand sanitizer methodologies is ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, which is combined
with thickeners, softeners, and occasionally fragrances to mask the strong
alcohol smell. It can irritate or dry out your skin if you use it frequently.
The effects can be exacerbated if you have sensitive skin. Alcohol is to blame
for the drying out."
"Washing hands with warm
water and soap is the most effective way to kill germs," Thomas says,
"but there are times when you don't have access to a sink or soap."
"If you can't avoid using hand sanitizer, following up with a moisturizing
routine is a good idea. A lack of water content in the skin causes dry skin.
It's best to use a moisturizer that contains humectants and occlusives.
Occlusives help to create a film over the skin that keeps moisture in, while
humectants (such as hyaluronic acid) attract water to the skin."
3. Fertility May Be Affected By Certain Formulas
"Some non-alcohol hand
sanitizers, on the other hand, contain an antibiotic compound called triclosan
or triclocarban. Several studies have found that triclosan is a health hazard
because it has negative effects on fertility, fetal development, and asthma
rates when used excessively."
The prescription: "To
completely eliminate germs, it is always recommended to wash hands with water
and soap. Only use sanitizers if you don't have access to water or soap
"Dr. Norris agrees. Those containing triclosan or triclocarban should be
avoided.
4. Some Could Lead to Antibiotic Resistance
"Triclosan exposure increases
the chances of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance," says Dr.
Norris.
5. Some Could Affect Hormones
"According to the FDA,
triclosan, which is found in hand sanitizers, can cause hormonal issues. As a
result, bacteria adapt to its antimicrobial properties, resulting in an
increase in antibiotic-resistant strains "Dr. Norris acknowledges.
6. Some Have an Impact on Your Immune System
"Triclosan also reduces the
effectiveness of the human immune system. People with a weakened immune system
are more susceptible to allergies "Dr. Norris acknowledges.
7. Some Can Affect Your Body Development
"A hand sanitizer with an
excessive amount of fragrance may contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates
and parabens. Endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, can have an impact on
human development and reproduction. Parabens are chemicals that have been shown
to have a negative impact on hormone function, fertility, birth outcomes, as
well as reproductive development.
8. You Might Develop a Skin Disorder
Overuse of alcohol-based hand
sanitizers to combat germs and infection-causing pathogens may actually
increase the risk of infection through skin disorders. Dr. Norris warns that
"overdoing" can result in the removal of beneficial bacteria from the
skin.
"Unlike hand sanitizer, soap
and water can simply eliminate dirt, grime, and pesticides and other chemical
residues from your hands," says the author.
9. Hand Sanitizers Can Lead to
Alcohol Poisoning
Because many hand sanitizers
contain high levels of alcohol, doctors have seen cases of alcohol poisoning
when they've been ingested. "Because hand sanitizers are widely available,
there have been numerous cases around the world where teenagers have been
hospitalized due to alcohol poisoning as a result of consuming hand
sanitizer," says Dr. Norris.
It is not to be consumed! Stay far
away from your children and teach your teenagers about it.
Doctors' Final Remarks
"If soap and water are not
immediately available, hand sanitizers are a good alternative to reduce
infectious materials microbial load—such as viruses, bacteria, and fungus—on
the hands or skin," says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a board-certified
dermatologist in Beverly Hills who practices at SkinSafe Dermatology. However,
keep in mind that "they do not remove physical dirt, grime, or mucus, and
thus are not intended to be used to physically wash your hands."
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