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We've always been taught to wash our hands by our parents. For most of us as children, this meant going to a sink and washing our hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizers have become commonplace during the last few decades.
They're all over the place. People frequently ask if hand sanitizers are as effective as, or maybe better than, traditional hand washing. What's going on here? The quick answer is that you should wash your hands with soap and water first, but hand sanitizers are a good backup.
But why?
It is more effective than hand sanitizer at cleaning your hands. Germs are physically removed from your hands when you wash them with soap and water; they bond with the soapy lather and wash down the drain.
Some viruses and bacteria, such as norovirus and C. difficile, are more successfully eliminated by traditional hand washing. Norovirus produces vomiting and diarrhea, while C. difficile causes severe diarrhea. If you're in any danger of contracting either, wash your hands with soap and water.
Hand sanitizers, on the other hand, are usually enough most of the time. They're especially beneficial when soap and water aren't available or practical for hand washing.
Sanitizer Supremacy?!
The majority of hand sanitizers are alcohol-based gels. Germs are killed by alcohol. Triclosan is the active ingredient in several hand sanitizers that come in the form of foam. Foam hand sanitizers are more effective than gel hand sanitizers, but they are also more costly. Dispensers aren't as convenient or transportable as gels. Gel sanitizers will, in most situations, suffice.
Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand, then rub it all over your hands until they are dry. Hit every surface, even the space between your toes. Pesticides, lead paint, grease, and dirt are not removed from your hands by hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizers can be found near the pumps at gas stations. Don't be fooled: they won't be able to get the gasoline out of your hands.
Another key point to remember is that hand sanitizer is toxic and should never be swallowed.
Technique takeaway:
Using warm water, moisten your hands. Warm water kills germs more effectively than cold water. Keep in mind that you're physically eradicating the pathogens. Apply soap to one hand's palm and rub hands together to create a lather that covers the entire hand, including the nails. The rubbing is what kills the bacteria. Do this for around 20 seconds before rinsing off the soap. The bacteria will be washed away by soapy water if you did a good job.
When should we use either?
Hands should be washed with soap and water:
When exposed to stomach-disease-causing viruses and bacteria, such as norovirus and C. difficile.
Especially before and after processing raw meats, fish, poultry, or eggs.
When you've finished using the restroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up animal excrement.
Before and after taking care of a sick person.
Immediately following the disposal of the rubbish.
Before attempting to treat a wound.
Especially if you're unwell, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
When your hands are greasy or show signs of grime.
While removing items such as powders and paints from your hands.
After working with animals, including pets
Hand sanitizers can be used:
Prior to a meal.
During the course of the day.
When you don't have access to soap or water.
Keeping your skin safe
Dermatologists recommend moisturizing your hands immediately after washing because all that hand washing can leave your skin red, chapped, and even broken. Apply a pea-sized amount of hand cream or ointment to your skin, including your fingertips and fingernails, and massage it in thoroughly. Dermatologists advise using a hand cream or ointment that has the following ingredients:
Mineral oil or petroleum jelly is present.
Instead of a pump bottle, it comes in a tube.
Is it dye-free and fragrance-free?
To sum up…
It is important to educate ourselves about all the pros and cons before deriving an inference. Hand washing and using sanitizers both possess their share of pros and constraints. So be aware and keep those hands clean and don’t forget to add that dose of hydration and moisturization. Trust me you don’t want to compromise on your hand’s texture. Stay safe and most importantly stay aware.
Find out more about the Omeocare Here.