Women health

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. Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel

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."

 

 

 

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post