hand sanitizer can indeed help eradicate germs on hands. However, this does not mean that its presence can replace the role of washing hands with soap and water. There are rules of use hand sanitizer that must be considered, so that the benefits can be obtained maximally.
Habit of washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer So far, it has been heavily echoed, especially as part of a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS).
However, since the presence of the COVID-19 outbreak, the role of hand washing is increasingly important and is one of the health protocols to prevent the transmission of the disease.
This is not surprising. The reason is, hands can be a medium for spreading germs and viruses that cause various diseases, if cleanliness is not maintained.
When to Use Water and Soap and hand sanitizer
Basically, cleaning hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer equally important and useful for maintaining hand hygiene. However, the two have different effectiveness.
Effectiveness hand sanitizer in killing germs is not as good as washing hands with soap and water. Therefore, its use is more recommended when you find it difficult to find a means to wash your hands with soap and water.
Effectiveness handsanitizer in killing germs will be more effective, if your hands are dry and not too dirty. If your hands are very dirty and oily, such as after eating, gardening, or exercising, hand sanitizer cannot work optimally.
Because hand sanitizer can not replace the role of washing hands with soap and water, you better get used to washing hands in a conventional way, yes. In addition, don't forget to apply the right way to wash your hands.
How to use hand sanitizer correctly
To effectively eradicate germs and viruses and keep your hands clean, you need to use hand sanitizer correctly. Here are some tips:
- choose hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60%.
- Remove jewelry from hands before using hand sanitizer.
- Pour liquid hand sanitizer an adequate amount on one palm, then rub into the palm of your other hand.
- Wipe the entire surface of the hand, including the fingers and between them, evenly until hand sanitizer
- If your hands are very dirty, clean them first with soap and water, before using hand sanitizer.
- choose hand sanitizer containing moisturizers or use moisturizer after use hand sanitizer to prevent irritation of the hands.
You can clean your hands with hand sanitizer before and after preparing food, eating, cleaning wounds, or touching sick people. You are also recommended to use it after using the toilet, sneezing, coughing, changing diapers, handling trash, or handling other dirty objects.
Be careful of use hand sanitizer in children. Don't let them wear hand sanitizer itself to prevent the liquid from being swallowed.
If hand sanitizer If swallowed, it is at risk of causing poisoning which is characterized by dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If hand sanitizer If ingested large amounts, the symptoms of poisoning can be more severe, such as shortness of breath, convulsions, and coma.
In conclusion, hand washing with soap and water is still a priority. When you find it difficult to wash your hands with soap and water, then hand sanitizer can be an option.