Is hand sanitizer as effective as soap? Hand washing is usually the go-to recommendation for preventing cold and flu outbreaks, but in recent years, many have taken to using hand sanitizers. The question is: How best to avoid infection? Is the general consensus for hand sanitizers really a good idea?
Well, a recent study found that staff in long-term care facilities who relied too much on hand sanitizers over hand washing actually reported more outbreaks of norovirus-related illness.
What is the active ingredient in hand sanitizers?
Hand sanitizers have a form of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, as an active ingredient. It works as an antiseptic. Other ingredients may include water, fragrance, and glycerin.
Hand Sanitizers vs. Soap and Water
Interestingly enough, the Food and Drug Administration, in regards to regulations concerning proper procedures for food services, recommends that hand sanitizers not be used in place of soap and water but only as an adjunct.
To properly sanitize the hands, soap and water should be used. A hand sanitizer cannot and should not take the place of proper cleansing procedures with soap and water. Both are important, but soap and water are number one. Hand sanitizers are an effective supplement.
The CDC agrees. It says that for norovirus, washing hands is your best prevention, especially after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before eating and doing food prep. Sanitizers may help, but “they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.”
They also can be used if soap and water aren’t available, the CDC says.
What about antibacterial soaps?
Research on the use of antibacterial soaps has shown that plain soaps are just as effective as antibacterial soaps in reducing bacteria related illnesses. In fact, using consumer antibacterial soap products may increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics in some bacteria. These conclusions only apply to consumer antibacterial soaps and not to those used in hospitals or other clinical areas.
Other studies suggest that ultra-clean environments and the persistent use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers may inhibit proper immune system development in children. This is because inflammatory systems require greater exposure to common germs for proper development.
What is the best way to wash hands?
Proper hand washing involves ”20 to 30 seconds of vigorous scrubbing with soap and warm water.” It’s the physical rubbing that does a lot of the work. But the soap is important.
What is the best way to use hand sanitizers?
To use hand sanitizers properly, use one or two squirts or pumps. Rub hands together briskly, front and back, between fingers, around and under the nails, until hands are dry.
If you have a sick child, what can help contain those germs?
Use normal household cleaning agents such as bleach to wipe down surfaces such as diaper-changing tables. Pay careful attention to infection control. Wash [hands] with soap and water before preparing food. If you are sick, don’t prepare food.
Those with more than one child should be careful to wash their hands between tending to the sick child, such as diaper changing, and tending to the well child
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