We’ve heard for a long time that excessive use of hand sanitizers may compromise our immune system and make it less able to fight off a real emergency where we need antibiotics–simplified translation of a more complex dilemma. Yet, there are times when the magic of Purell and many of its house brand competitors may make us feel safer.
Now may be one of those times. With the advent and the reality of the H1N1 flu, swine flu, we cannot isolate ourselves from every germ-laden environment (normal life–we go to work or school, eat out, and are in public places) nor can we wash our hands as adequately as we may need. We might have to resort to other methods: The 60% as a minimum ethyl alcohol solution.
There is still another layer of anxiety: Are the sanitizers sanitary? Now that’s a scary thought. Questions remain and some brands need to be taken off the shelves. An additional problem is that companies are popping up out of the woodwork promoting new products to keep everyone safe during the H1N1 epidemic. Some have already received warnings from the FDA about their claims. Many more will probably sprout up trying to capture dollars during a potentially vulnerable period. Be alert.
If you want to stay away from sanitizers with antibacterial properties, that market also exists. The Softsoap line includes regular liquid soap and antibacterial ones; the choice is yours. There are other companies that have liquid soaps without antibacterial ingredients: Kiss My Face or Nature’s Gate Organic Liquid Hand Soap. If you can understand all the ingredients in soap products, let me know!
Many antibacterial products have additional moisturizers to keep your hands soft and not abrasive as one would have from an alcohol-based product. Purell has several products and has updated its website to address and include specific health concerns and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about sanitizers and the spread of diseases.
Spend a few extra seconds washing your hands properly, and do not believe every product claim that you may hear over the next few months.
Wash, wipe, and relax.
#1 by suzy rieber at August 6th, 2009
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we really do have a tendency to overreact. If we’d just wash our hands they way we’re supposed to we wouldn’t need these hand sanitizers half as much. I wish they would practice this more in the public schools instead of having the kids use so many “sanitizers”.
#2 by admin at August 6th, 2009
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Yes, I agree, however, the schools are just one line of defense, and I think many people believe the liquid alcohol approach is better than what they normally see–a quick pass in the water bowl.
#3 by DRM at August 7th, 2009
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Another way to go to guard against nastier stuff is Hibiclens:
“Hibiclens is generally used to cleanse the hands and the body, but it should not be used around the eyes, nose or mouth. Often the solution is used to cleanse the skin of patients who are about to undergo surgery. Hibiclens is an antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleanser possessing bactericidal properties. Hibiclens is currently the preferred wound cleaner at hospitals due to many people having betadine allergies.
Doctors use hibiclens when scrubbing for surgery, you have seen on TV when the doctors are soaped up from their elbows to their fingers, that’s hibiclens they are using. It’s recommended for home use also. But you will need to get it at your local pharmacy.”