Long-Term Effects of Hand Sanitizer Use: What You Need to Know

With a growing awareness that limited contact with germs leads to better health, the use of hand sanitizer has become commonplace. Hand sanitizers destroy bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. Originally used in doctor's offices and hospitals, hand sanitizers are often used in place of hand washing due to the convenience.

Ingredients in Hand Sanitizers

• Hand sanitizers contain 60 to 90 percent alcohol. The alcohol used is either ethyl or isopropyl alcohol; coloring and scent is sometimes added.

Recommended Use of Hand Sanitizers

• Hand sanitizers should be used when soap and water is unavailable. If hands are visibly dirty, a hand sanitizer is not going to clean them. Only a dime-sized amount of liquid hand sanitizer is needed.

Hand Sanitizer Usage: Contraindications

• Cuts or scrapes on the hands can become irritated from using hand sanitizers; itching, burning and rashes can develop.

Potential Dangers

• Hand sanitizers contain alcohol and can be flammable. If your hands are still wet from using a hand sanitizer, avoid open flames: do not leave them in hot vehicles or stored near heat sources.

Types

• Hand sanitizers can be purchased in liquid or foaming form, and are also available as a disposable wipe.

Dangers to Children

• Hand sanitizers should be kept out of reach of children; ingesting hand sanitizer could cause dizziness, slurred speech and, in severe cases, brain damage and possibly death.