09/05/2020
Soap and Sanitizer: Comparison
- Hand sanitizer is handy can be easily carried in a purse, pockets, etc. In fact, when water and soaps are not immediately available, hand sanitizer is a good option and convenient option to combat with germs.
- It is also said that Hand sanitizers are active against all types of viruses except norovirus, etc. but are not a perfect prophylactic. Sanitizers don’t protect against some types of bacteria whereas soap can.
- Hand sanitizer can sometimes be more expensive than the hand soap. According to most of the doctors "Hand sanitizers are more convenient and good during a pinch, but at last soap and water are better”.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but not able to eliminate all types of germs. Therefore, the CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible as it reduces all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available then use at least 60% alcohol-based sanitizer to avoid getting sick and will not spread germs to others.
- Several studies showed that when hands are visibly dirty or greasy then hand sanitizers may not be that much effective.
- Some studies showed that harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals present in the hands may not be removed via using hand sanitizers.
- If soap and water are not available then it is recommended to use sanitizers containing high alcohol amount at least 60%. Even studies showed that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60-95% are simpler at killing germs than those having a lower concentration of alcohol or non-alcohol based sanitizers.
- CDC recommends to use hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub it all over the surfaces of hands until hand becomes dry whereas soap lathers and spreads in whole parts of the hand.
- It is also seen that swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers sometimes can cause alcohol poisoning. Ethanol-based hand sanitizers are safe when used as directed but can cause poisoning if swallowed more than a couple of mouthfuls. But in the case of soap, it is not like that.
Therefore, we can say that to fight against COVID-19 maintain personal hygiene and take precautionary measures as recommended by health officials. According to WHO, wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty, frequently clean them by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
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