Why should you use a hand sanitizer? What are its benefits? Hand sanitizers were developed for use after washing hands or for those times when soap and water are not available. They are gels that contain alcohol in order to kill the germs present on the skin. The alcohol works immediately and effectively in order to kill bacteria and most viruses. Alcohol can be very drying to the skin, so most brands of sanitizers also contain a moisturizer to minimize skin dryness and irritation. To use hand sanitizers effectively, place a small amount, the size of your thumbnail, on the palm of your hand and rub it over your entire hand, including in your nail beds. If the gel completely evaporates in less than 15 seconds, you have not used enough products.
Benefits:
- Hand sanitizers are convenient, portable, easy to use and not time consuming.
- studies have concluded that the risk of spreading (stomach) and respiratory infection is decreased among families who use hand sanitizers.
- Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand-washing.
- Studies show that adding hand sanitizers to classrooms can reduce student absenteeism due to illness by 20 per cent. Many kids think instant hand sanitizers are fun to use.
