The Myths and Facts About Hand Sanitizer: What We Should Know

Hello guys, welcome again to my blog. Hope to share with us a very interesting piece and everyday affairs we indulge in. The world has asses through some series of shock and countershock in the last few years and the activities recent as affecting the Russian Invasion aren't an exception.

The Pandemic that caused a worldwide shutdown of economic activities was seen to mesmerize the health sector where the hospitals were observed to lack the capacity to handle large-scale cases. At that very moment overwhelming period, the pharmaceutical world seems to boom with clinical production tripling in its revenue figures.

Amongst clinical items that got boosts were protective aprons, production of vaccines, as well as Hand Sanitizer. The consciousness to use this item "Hand Sanitizer" toppled due to the presumed preventive mechanism it gives given to the absence or limited use of other forms of sanitary control measures. Most especially, this was observed in the African region where the prices also shot up.

Hence, massive sensitization and use of hand sanitizers were also seen to be overrated given the use case in which limitations were observed. These are some of the myths and facts behind the ideology about hand sanitizer usage;

It does not completely Clean the Hands

Due to the terrain, we find ourselves whereby we touch, move and carry objects from place to place, shake hands (signs of greeting) and as well peak our noses or eyes, it does make our hands dirty and grime. Hand Dirt and grime make it difficult for sanitizers to work effectively. Sanitizers primarily zap germs but do not guarantee dirt and grime-free hand. This means that there are inhibitors to the efficient and effective working of hand sanitizers. For hand sanitizers to work well, the hand must be dirt and grime free.

Hand Sanitizer is Presumed Second to Soap

Due to some of the limitations observed in the use of sanitizers which are beyond human control most times, it is seen to be second to soap. Not only do soap and water cleanse and sanitize but it's a veritable way of killing germs like Clostridioides difficile, Cryptosporidium, and Norovirus. While soap and water can be used in removing heavy chemicals or metals, hand sanitizers cannot get rid of these same substances.

Variations in Hand Sanitizer production

This is another important factor that plays a key role in the use and choice of hand sanitizers. The alcoholic content in sanitizers plays a major determinant role when making our selections. Doctors would recommend sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol ingredients. This simply signifies that sanitizers within this category have the ability to kill germs, h nice we can get the most germ-killing substance per use of hand sanitizers.

Causes Hazards or Dangerous if misused

Due to the high volume of alcohol ingredients found in Hand Sanitizers, it is said to be highly flammable. Therefore, bottles or containers hosting this substance should be adequately kept clear from flame or highly heated places.

Wrong Selection of Brands could be Toxic

Studies conducted on the production of hand sanitizers found 100 brands that contain a chemical called Methanol. This is a type of alcohol that is toxic to the human body. The human body is seen to observe this type of alcohol easily and hence when absorbed, causes Nausea, headache, vomiting, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, nervous system disorder, and death in some cases. Therefore, complete avoidance of brands with Methanol should be hyped.

There are many other facts to be noted about the use of Hand Sanitizers so as to know when it's overrated. It is also important to note that it does not kill cold and flu as the mucus serves as a protective layer against the effects of sanitizers when applied. Instead, hand washing is the preferred way to go after a sneeze. Another is to use a higher volume of hand sanitizer to avoid dryness and skin cracking which is a potential germ entry pathway.

It is pertinent to note that this content should be able to guide us on how best to choose, use, preserve and apply our dear hand sanitizers for the overall safety of all concerned.

Thank you guys, I hope this session was educative. Let's continue to stay safe...

Written by @xkool24