Aside from helping you get rid of the virus, they might also produce horrible side effects.
Raise your hand if you have a bottle—or 40—of hand sanitizer in your pocket. There's just one problem: that hand can be dry and cracked. Hand sanitizers have several adverse side effects that might impact your skin, among other things. They're an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19, but they're not without problems of their own. We asked the experts how to reduce pain while still using hand sanitizers. Continue reading.
1. Hand Sanitizers Can Increase Your Risk of Eczema
The CDC suggests washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. It is critical to follow that guidance, but "Hand dermatitis, often known as 'eczema,' can develop as a result of increasing interaction with irritants and allergens. Redness, dryness, cracks, and even blisters commonly appear on the skin, causing itching and suffering, "Caroline Nelson, M.D., a dermatologist at Yale Medicine and a Yale School of Medicine instructor, tells.
The Fix: According to dermatologist Peterson Pierre, M.D., of the Pierre Skin Care Institute, "it's crucial not to overdo the sanitizer and to moisturize after every usage.""Hand dermatitis can be avoided by using a moisturizer that contains mineral oil or petrolatum. When using a hand sanitizer, applying moisturizer immediately after washing your hands is not necessary. Individuals should rub their hands together for 15-30 seconds, then apply hand sanitizer to all surfaces until they are dry, and then moisturize, "Dr. Nelson believes.
2. Hand Sanitizers Can Irritate Your Skin
"Hand sanitizers are antiseptic products that are developed to disinfect the skin," says Vanessa Thomas, owner of Freelance Formulations and a cosmetic chemist. "In most hand sanitizer formulas, the primary disinfection ingredient is ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, which is combined with thickeners, softeners, and sometimes perfumes to reduce the bad smell of the alcohol. It can irritate or dry out your skin if you use it frequently. The effects can be increased if you have sensitive skin. Alcohol is the cause of the drying out."
The Fix: "Washing hands with warm water and soap is the best approach to destroy any germs," adds Thomas. "However, there are times when you don't have access to a sink or soap." "If you can't stop yourself from using hand sanitizer, a moisturizing regimen is a smart option. A lack of water content in the skin causes dry skin. It's ideal to use a moisturizer that contains humectants and occlusives. Occlusives help to build a layer over the skin that keeps moisture in, whereas humectants (such as hyaluronic acid) attract water to the skin."3. Some Formulations Can Affect Fertility
"Some hand sanitizers contain alcohol as an active ingredient that acts as an antiseptic," explains Dr. Chris Norris of sleepstandards.com, a chartered physiotherapist and neurologist and Clinical Associate Professor at The University of California. "Some non-alcohol hand sanitizers, on the other hand, contain an antibiotic ingredient called triclosan or triclocarban. Several studies have found that triclosan is a health danger since it negatively affects fertility, fetal development, and asthma rates when used excessively."
The Fix: "To entirely remove germs, it is always recommended to wash hands with water and soap. Only use sanitizers if you don't have access to water or soap, "Dr. Norris agrees. Those containing triclosan or triclocarban should be avoided.
4. Some Might Cause a Resistance to Antibiotics
"Triclosan exposure raises the likelihood of germs developing antibiotic resistance," says Dr. Norris. Find one that is free of triclosan once more.
5. Some May Cause Hormone Problems
"According to the FDA, triclosan, which is found in hand sanitizers, might cause hormonal problems. As a result, bacteria adapt to its antimicrobial characteristics, increasing antibiotic-resistant strains, "Dr. Norris agrees.
6. Some Affect Your Immune System
"Triclosan also reduces the effectiveness of the human immune system. People with a compromised immune system are more susceptible to allergies, "Dr. Norris agrees.
7. Some Can Impact Your Body Development
"A hand sanitizer with an excessive amount of fragrance may include toxic chemicals such as phthalates and parabens. Endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, can impact human development and reproduction. Parabens are chemicals that have been shown to harm hormone function, fertility, birth outcomes, and reproductive development, "Dr. Norris agrees.
The Fix: Find a hand sanitizer free of phthalates and parabens.
8. You Could Get a Skin Disorder
"Excessive use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers to protect against germs and infection-causing pathogens may have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of infection via skin problems. Overdoing it can result in the loss of beneficial bacteria from the skin, which isn't always a good thing, "Dr. Norris agrees.
The Fix: "Unlike hand sanitizer," adds Dr. Norris, "soap and water can effectively remove dirt, grime, and erase pesticides and other chemical residues that are remaining on your hands."
9. Hand Sanitizers Could Lead to Alcohol Poisoning
Because many hand sanitizers contain significant alcohol levels, doctors have seen cases of alcohol poisoning when they've been eaten. "Because hand sanitizers are widely available, there have been several cases around the world where teenagers have been hospitalized due to alcohol poisoning as a result of consuming hand sanitizer," explains Dr. Norris.
The Fix: Don't drink it! Please keep it away from your children and teach your teenagers about it. If you drink hand sanitizer, call 911 right away.
10. Final Thoughts From the Doctors
"If soap and water are not immediately available, hand sanitizers are a good alternative to reduce potentially infectious microbial load—such as viruses, bacteria, and fungus—on the hands or skin," says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills who practices at SkinSafe Dermatology. However, keep in mind that "they do not remove physical dirt, grime, or mucus, and so are not meant to be used to wash your hands physically."
"Hand sanitizer isn't as effective as soap," Dr. Norris adds. "It's possible that relying on hand sanitizers to keep your hands clean isn't the smartest strategy."