Hand sanitisers have been an important material in dealing with COVID-19. However, one might ask, could there be a downside in using it?
Medical experts advise the Australian public to use hand sanitiser since the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. They said that it is the best way to stop the spread of the virus, along with bacteria and disease.
So, what do dermatologists think about the use of hand sanitiser?
Hand sanitiser won’t reduce your immunity to infections
Hand washing might reduce your chances of getting sick. Along with an alcohol-based sanitiser, this combination is the best line of defence against contagious viruses or infection.
Dr. Greg Goodman, president of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists and director of Dermatology Institute of Victoria said that there is no risk that hand sanitiser overuse might make us more susceptible to bacteria.
Since it is not absorbed by the skin, it does not pose any threat either.
Considering that the hands are so busy and are exposed to a wide range of external factors, it is always important to clean them regularly.
Dr. Li-Chuen Wong, head of the dermatology department at Westmead Children’s Hospital said that the skin must be intact to prevent infections. She said that washing your skin raw might expose you to bacterial infections.
Hand sanitiser can dry your hands out
Despite the sanitising capabilities of hand sanitisers, they have negative side effects that come with using them.
Dr. Goodman said that there is nothing wrong with moisturising after using a hand sanitiser. He said that it won’t remove the bacterial effect.
Dr. Wong affirmed such an assertion. She recommended the use of a hand sanitiser with emollient, a moisturising agent. She added that avoid wearing gloves after using a hand sanitiser.
She added that their people living in less humid places might get your hands dry.
Fragrances in hand sanitisers are the leading cause of allergies and irritations
Dr. Goodman said that while there is a rise in the numbers of patients with skin problems that seek medical attention, the number was not as many as he expected.
He said that unless fragrances or perfumes are added, hand sanitisers won’t cause allergies.
His previous observation reflects that people nowadays are using more sanitisers that do not have fragrances and perfumes.
Remove your rings before applying
Dr. Goodman said that the alcoholic components of the hand sanitisers could discolor jewelry.
He recommends that jewelry must be taken off before using a hand sanitiser.
Generally, hand sanitiser is good for long-term use
Dr. Goodman recommends the use of hand sanitiser at all times.
Keeping a small bottle in their bags, pockets or car is a good thing to practice.
He said that there is nothing wrong with a bit of cleanliness since it can contribute largely to one’s overall health and well-being.
Without measures like this, coronavirus might be more contagious than it was today. Hand cleanliness is a good thing, to begin with dealing with the threat of COVID-19.
