Washing hands with soap and water and the use of hand disinfectants are two of the simplest and yet most effective measures to reduce illnesses. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60 percent alcohol, should be used. But doesn't that dry out your hands? Not at all!
Do hand disinfectants dry out the hands?
One of the most common myths about hand sanitisers ist hat their frequent use dries out the skin of your hands. Yes, it's true: they contain alcohol, which is definitely not good for the skin in its pure form. Pure alcohol removes water from the body and dries the skin. This is how micro cracks develop, which promote eczema or inflammation. So alcohol exacerbates many skin diseases, from neurodermatitis to acne
The fact is, however, that PURELL® hand sanitiser was developed specifically for frequent use without damaging the skin.
Study: Hand sanitiser more skin-friendly than soap and water
A study with thirty-two nurses has shown that well formulated hand disinfectants are even more gentle to the hands than medical soaps. (1) For two weeks, the nurses used an alcohol-based hand gel with a moisturising effect for handsanitising. During this period skin irritation and dryness decreased.
However, both irritation and drynes increased during the two weeks when the nurses used a medicinal soap and water for their hand hygiene. The scientists concluded that modern moisturising hand sanitising gels cause less skin discomfort.
Confidence in hand sanitisers
Especially in the current situation, in which many businesses are re-opening, it is important to promote confidence in handsanitisers. These should be available in the workplace and in public areas.
It is particularly important to pay attention to hand cleanliness in the following situations:
- Before, during and after food preparation
- Before eating
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching rubbish
The following routine should be used for hand sanitising:
- Apply enough gel to thoroughly moisten the hands.
- Rub hands together quickly until they are dry.
This process should take at last 30 seconds. When using a well formulated product Hands should not feel sticky, but pleasantly soft. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
(1) Boyce JM, Kellher, S., Vallande N. Skin irritation and dryness associated with two hand hygiene regimens: soap and water handwashing versus hand antisepsis with an alcoholic hand gel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 21:442-448,2000
Stay healthy!
On our own behalf
We are working hard to expand our production capacities, to help companies return to normality. The measures taken will enable GOJO to provide more PURELL® hand disinfectants, soap and surface disinfectants in the near future. Read more>>>
