Have you been using too much of sanitizer since the fear of coronavirus caught us all? The fear is indeed genuine, but we must also know how much usage of sanitizer is good. Sanitizers definitely seem like an easy option to maintain hygiene but too much of it can be bad.
Firstly we need to know that that using excessive hand sanitizer can kill the good bacteria too. Good bacteria are important as they helps in keeping our skin and bodies healthy. But how will you determine what is the right time to use a hand sanitizer? The best bay to use it is to avoid it, if washing hand is easy and possible.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing hand with soap and water is a better alternate. The best way to get rid of germs is by cleaning your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, says the disease control and prevention centre. So, if soap and water is available, why use sanitizer.
Here are some effective tips that will drive you to use much of soap and water than hand sanitizes.
If someone sitting close to you coughs or sneezes, it is important to know that you will rarely catch infection through your hands. You may catch infection through breathing due to the air droplets. Sanitizing hand will not be effective here. No need to rush for a hand sanitizer if someone near you coughs or sneezes. Wearing a mask may help.
If you are suffering from flu or a runny nose, don’t depend on hand sanitizers totally. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and don’t step out of the house.
You must also know that using too much of hand sanitizer creates resistant bacteria. Yes, it is true! It means that the frequent use of hand sanitizer out of mere habit can lead to resistance in the bacteria. In such a case, why not go for hand wash using soap and water.
If you have just finished your gardening chores, or back from a sport or soiled your hands doing any outdoor activity, DON’T USE a hand sanitizer. It may not be a good idea as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective on soiled-hands.
After an excessive and habitual use of hand sanitizers you will notice that the skin feels dry and the lotions are not effective to restore the lost moisture. Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the right way to apply hand sanitizer is by not using it very often but using it once by rubbing it all over the surfaces on both hands for about 20 seconds, until the hands are dry.