Hand Sanitiser or Handwashing: Which Is Better Against Coronavirus?

The H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009 popularised the use of hand sanitizers. Before that, hand sanitiser or hand rubs were found in medical facilities, especially the ICCU. But after 2009 the demand for commercially used hand sanitizers rose to new levels. Commercially as hand gels or sanitisers gel, it becomes more popular when they are packed in tiny bright coloured bottles with varied fragrances. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging, the demand for hand sanitisers has skyrocketed. The WHO and other medical boards confirmed that using sanitisers is highly effective against the spread of the virus. 

We also have new products and ingredients being added to the sanitiser to make it more appealing to a larger consumer base. We all know that the base ingredient in the hand sanitiser is alcohol which acts as a disinfectant. 

The virus of COVID-19 is an envelope virus meaning it has an outer cell covering which can be destroyed when it comes in contact with alcohol, rendering it weak. But for this to happen the alcohol content has to be a minimum of 65% to a maximum of 95%. This high alcohol content could cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin. 

There are companies like Hygiene Labs that make alcohol free hand sanitizers that are effective like the regular sanitiser but are very gentle on the skin. The moisturisers used in them make sure there is no dryness or itchiness after using this. At the same time, it kills 99.99% germs instantly for a longer duration. 

The Question Is Which Is More Effective? Hand Sanitizers Or Hand Washing

As per the medical experts, handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds is the most effective to discard viruses. Washing with soap under running water will dislodge the virus and washing your hand underwater after it will let the virus pass from the hands into the drain. Wiping them with a paper towel is also a good idea rather than air-drying them. 

After using hand sanitisers, we must avoid touching anywhere else especially our face or eyes or any other surface which is not disinfected. Hand sanitiser reduces the quantity of the germs but doesn’t eliminate them and touch any such surface will lead to contamination again. It is advisable to use hand sanitizers only after we have reached a safe spot. 

Carrying a bottle of Hygiene labs foam hand sanitizer with you while you are travelling is the best way to keep yourself safe. Since this is a foam-based product there is no worry about spill and breakage. This hand sanitizer foam doesn’t require water too. just use it like any other sanitiser. 

While grappling the current situation, there are instances of panic buying and hoarding the products. This is detrimental to public safety. As we all need to take care of our health to the best of our ability. Understanding the product use is important like we need a very small quantity of hand sanitiser. Hygiene labs hand sanitiser is one such product that we not only require a small quantity to disinfect ourselves but this alcohol-free sanitiser has a lasting effect and so we require less in comparison to others. 

Always remember, that even if we use a hand sanitiser often when we are out, we must wash our hands with water soap as soon as we ger a chance. After washing and drying our hands we have removed the virus completely. Make sure to disinfect your surrounding areas regularly especially the high touch zones like doors, doorknobs, switches, tables and countertops. This forms an extra layer of protection for us. 

Using non-alcoholic hand sanitizer for kids is a good idea as a kid’s skin is extra sensitive and these products are designed to take care of the skin while being harsh on the germs. Some hand sanitizers are made with fast acting ingredients that kill 99.99% of germs instantly and are gentle on the skin like Hygiene Lab's hand sanitizers. they also have a lasting effect on the skin and therefore we don’t need to use them as often. 

Washing hands with water and soaps should be the number one activity we take once we are back in our safe zone. At the same time keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer handy is always a convenient option.