Will I get immuned to Hand Sanitizers?

Will I get immuned to Hand Sanitizers? With bacteria and viruses all around us, we must keep ourselves protected. We do this with the help of alcohol, disinfectant sprays and wipes, and hand sanitizers. My personal favorite of most is hand sanitizers because they are portable, mild, and scented. However, what is the science behind hand sanitizers?

Can this completely replace washing your hands with soap? Is it more effective than alcohol? Will you get immune to it? Well, we are here to answer your questions. This article will discuss everything there is that you need to know about hand sanitizers. Read on; Will I get immuned to Hand Sanitizers?

What are Hand Sanitizers made from?

Hand Sanitizers are also referred to as hand rubs and hand antiseptic. It is a gel liquid applied to the hands to get rid of common organisms causing diseases. The formulation of hand sanitizers can either be based on alcohol or be free from alcohol.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain 60 to 95 percent of ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol. With this concentration, hand sanitizers can effectively neutralize particular types of microorganisms that may cause us harm. On the other hand, alcohol-free hand sanitizers are just disinfectants that only eliminate microbial agents.

For both types of hand sanitizers, they make use of other ingredients such as glycerin that soothe the skin. They also add thickening agents, fragrance scents, and glitters on some occasions.

When and How to Use Hand Sanitizers?

Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends the use of hand sanitizers only when soap and water are not available. CDC also recommended the use of hand sanitizer when repeated hand washing has caused harm. An example of this harm is when the soap and water have compromised the natural skin barrier. This then would cause your hands to dry out and peel and ultimately lead to wounding.

Furthermore, CDC recommends using hand sanitizers that have an alcohol concentration of at least 60%. This hand sanitizer formulation can reduce the number of microorganisms on your hands. On the other hand, it is important to note that it does not eliminate all germs found on the hands.

CDC further notes that the proper way of using hand sanitizers is by starting at the palm. Apply the recommended amount and then rub until all surfaces of your hands are dry. This method ensures the proper disinfection of your hands.

How Effective Are Hand Sanitizers?

The debate on hand sanitizer’s effectiveness has been long ongoing. Although various institutions widely use it, there are still key factors that should be taken into consideration.

Hand Sanitizers Cannot Handle Visible Dirt

Hands are the dirtiest part of our bodies. It can often get greasy or dirty, and in these cases, hand sanitizers are not effective. It can only eliminate germs that are not seen by the naked eye. With that said, hand washing with soap and water is still the best option.

Hand Sanitizers Are Not Effective Against Pesticides

If you are working at a medical institution or conducting a science experiment, hand sanitizers are not for your use. Centers for Disease Control and Protection states that hand sanitizers cannot remove or inactivate harmful chemicals. Hand sanitizers may even increase the number of pesticides in your body. With that said, again, it is best to wash with soap and water.

Hand Sanitizers Can Eliminate Bacterias and Viruses

Despite the limitations mentioned above, hand sanitizers are still effective against microorganisms. As long as you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, then it can control the spread of infectious diseases. For that reason, hand sanitizers have been established as means of infection control in numerous institutions. Institutions that make use of this are those wherein soap and water are not accessible at all times.

Can You Build Up An Immunity To Hand Sanitizers?

Learning the basics of hand sanitizers mentioned above is crucial to understand if we can get immune to them. There are cases wherein we suspect that hand sanitizers are not that effective anymore. We may also think that we have become immune to it. However, it is scientifically impossible for us to build an immunity to hand sanitizers. Instead, here are the two possible reasons for your hand sanitizer’s infectivity:

Hand Sanitizers Cannot Eliminate All The Microorganism

As we have previously stated, hand sanitizers are not effective against all microorganisms. With that said, there will be cases wherein hand sanitizers did not thoroughly disinfect a surface or your hands. Several bacterias are becoming more tolerant of hand sanitizers.

There have been reports from various hospitals stating the increase of disease despite the use of hand sanitizers. It does not mean that you are immune to hand sanitizers where they are ineffective. It can just mean that a microorganism is more tolerant of your hand sanitizer’s formulation.

Hand Sanitizers Can Strip Away The Good Bacteria

Despite the debate of hand sanitizer’s effectiveness, you have to keep in mind that it is still a disinfectant object. This means that repeated use of it can lead to eliminating the natural protectors of your body.

Remember that there are good bacterias that make our immune system stronger. Using a hand sanitizer with high alcohol concentration multiple times within the day removes your natural protectors. By doing so, your body will be more susceptible to diseases. It is recommended that your daily uses should not be past six.

Conclusion

So, will I get immuned to hand sanitizers? Hand sanitizers are gel-based disinfectants that are used in replacement of hand washing. It is included in the disinfection protocol of numerous institutions; however, its effectiveness is still debatable. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in eliminating various microorganisms but not all. With that said, hand sanitizers may be ineffective in some cases.

Furthermore, this ineffectiveness is not an indication of your immunity to hand sanitizers. It may also be useless if you use it too often because it kills the good bacteria in your hands. Nevertheless, hand sanitizers are still effective disinfectant tools that are most useful if you are on the go.

We hope you enjoyed and learned something from this article – Will I get immuned to Hand Sanitizers? If you are looking for office disinfection service, feel free to give us a call at 6671 1929! Stay safe!