Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap and Water

Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially during a pandemic like COVID-19. But which method of hand hygiene is more effective: hand sanitizer or soap and water?. The answer may surprise you.

How do hand sanitizers and soap and water work?.

Hand sanitizers are products that contain alcohol (usually ethanol or isopropanol) and other ingredients that kill or inactivate most germs on the skin. They are convenient and easy to use, especially when soap and water are not available. However, they are not effective against all types of germs, such as norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile. They also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals, from the skin.

Soap and water, on the other hand, work by physically removing germs and dirt from the skin. Soap molecules have two ends: one that is attracted to water and one that is attracted to oil. When soap is mixed with water, it forms tiny bubbles called micelles that trap the oil and dirt on the skin. Then, when the hands are rinsed with water, the micelles are washed away, along with the germs and dirt. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like coronavirus, as well as chemicals.

What are the benefits of soap and water over hand sanitizers?.

Soap have several advantages over hand sanitizers when it comes to hand hygiene. First, soap can remove more types of germs and chemicals from the skin, as mentioned above. Second, soap can also reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, which is a serious public health threat. Hand sanitizers, especially those that contain triclosan or other antibacterial agents, can contribute to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Third, soap can also be more gentle and moisturizing for the skin, especially for people with sensitive or dry skin. Hand sanitizers, on the other hand, can cause skin irritation, dryness, and cracking, which can increase the risk of infection.

Hand hygiene is essential for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, but it also has environmental consequences. Based on the current evidence, soap are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs and chemicals from the skin. They also have several benefits over hand sanitizers, such as reducing antibiotic resistance, protecting the skin, and being more accessible and affordable. Therefore, soap reign supreme when it comes to hand hygiene. However, hand sanitizers can still be useful in situations where soap are not available or practical, as long as they are used correctly and sparingly. Ideally, hand hygiene products should be safe, effective, and sustainable for both human and planetary health.

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