How to use Alcohol Hand Sanitiser to clean your hands
When your hands are visibly dirty, then washing hands with soap and water following proper Hand washing techniques would get rid of bacteria and viruses. In situations where soap and water are not available, using an alcohol based hand sanitiser can be an effective alternative.
If hands are not visibly dirty, then frequently cleaning it with alchohol based handrub would helpful.
The concentration of alcohol in Alcohol based Hand sanitizer should be at least 60%, according to the World Health Organization .
Many of the brands which manufacture handrub’s are made up of 70% alcohol and these are most commonly used in clinics and at bed-side in hospitals too.
The steps for Handrub, according to WHO, World Health Organisation are
What ingredients are present in Alcohol Based Hand sanitiser ?
It is made up of Alcohol ( Ethyl Alcohol or Isopropyl alcohol, minimum concentration 60%), Water and substances which reduce the loss of moisture, are added.
It could be in the form of liquid or more viscous Gel.
Drawbacks are it’s flammable and should be kept out of reach of children and Adults using it should allow it to dry. It can be Fatal, if consumed as it’s only for external use .
What ingredients are present in Non Alcohol Based Hand sanitiser ?
It contains benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, is a commonly used disinfectant. Less irritating than alcohol on the skin BUT are known to cause Contact Dermatitis. These are not used in Hospitals or in clinics .
Questions and Answers on Hand Sanitiser or Sanitizer
Question : Is hand sanitiser more effective than Soap ?
Answer : Hand washing with soap and water is always the first option, when hands are dirty. When soap and water are not accessibly then you can use handrub or hand sanitisers.
