What are Hand Sanitizers ? Benefits of Hand Sanitizers 

Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. In most situation, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, hand washing with soap and water is generally preferred. Hand sanitizer is less effective at killing certain kinds of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile and unlike soap and water, it cannot remove harmful chemicals. People may incorrectly wipe off hand sanitizer before it has In most healthcare settings alcohol-based hand sanitizers are preferable to hand washing with soap and water, because it may be better tolerated and is more effective at reducing bacteria. Hand washing with soap and water; however, should be carried out if contamination can be seen, or  following the use of the toilet. The general use of non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers has no recommendations.dried, and some are less effective because their alcohol concentrations are too low.

Hand sanitizers were developed for use after washing hands or for those times when soap and water are not available. They are gels that contain alcohol in order to kill the germs present on the skin. The alcohol works immediately and effectively in order to kill bacteria and most viruses.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may kill a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses, but it isn't effective on all germs. Healthcare professionals recommend washing with soap and water over using hand sanitizer, but when soap and water aren't available, sanitizer is an effective alternative.

Among the four hand sanitizers used in this study, Sterillium, Dettol, and Lifebuoy were alcohol-based and PureHands was herbal, i.e., non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol or contains a "persistent antiseptic" should be used. Alcohol rubs kill many different kinds of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria and TB bacteria. They also kill many kinds of viruses, including the flu virus, the common cold virus, coronavirus


How they work?

Hand sanitizers were developed for use after washing hands or for those times when soap and water are not available. They are gels that contain alcohol in order to kill the germs present on the skin. The alcohol works immediately and effectively in order to kill bacteria and most viruses. Alcohol can be very drying to the skin, so most brands of sanitizers also contain a moisturizer to minimize skin dryness and irritation.



Benefits:

•Hand sanitizers are convenient, portable, easy to use and not time consuming.

•Several studies have concluded that the risk of spreading gastrointestinal (stomach) and respiratory infection is decreased among families who use hand sanitizers.

•Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand-washing.

•Studies show that adding hand sanitizers to classrooms can reduce student absenteeism due to illness by 20 per cent. What's more, many kids think instant hand sanitizers are fun to use.

Limitations:

•Not all hand sanitizers are created equally. Check the bottle for active ingredients. The alcohol content may be in the form of ethyl alcohol, ethanol or isopropanol. All of those are acceptable forms of alcohol. Be certain that no matter which type of alcohol is listed, its concentration is between 60 and 95 per cent. Am alcohol content of less than 60 per cent isn't enough to be effective.

•Alcohol does not cut through grime. All dirt, blood and soil must be wiped or washed away first if the alcohol in the sanitizer is to be effective. In such cases, hand-washing with soap and water is advised.

•Hand sanitizers are not cleaning agents and are not meant as a replacement for soap and water, but as a complementary habit. Sanitizers are most effective when used in conjunction with diligent hand-washing.

The use of hand sanitizers is a habit that can help keep us all exposed to fewer germs, and therefore may decrease our chance of illness. Whether you are on the playground, using someone else's computer or visiting a friend in the hospital, take the time to rub some on your hands. It is an easy step toward a healthy winter season.

How can I make Dettol sanitizer at home?

  • Mix inside bowl:
  • 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol.
  • 1/3 cup aloe vera gel (or glycerol)
  • 8-10 drops essential oil (like lavender, vanilla, peppermint, grapefruit)
  • Pour am into hand sanitizer bottle.

What is the best homemade disinfectant?

  • DIY Disinfecting Spray Cleaner
  • 1 1/4 cups water.
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar.
  • 1/4 cup (60% + alcohol content) vodka or Everclear (excellent germ-killing properties – you can substitute rubbing alcohol, but it will have a more medicinal scent)
  • 15 drops essential oil – peppermint + lemon OR lavender + lemon are great in this recipe.
  • glass spray bottle.