Is hand sanitizer as good as soap and water?

Question

if not why?

Answer 1

Antibacterial hand sanitizers are marketed to the public as an effective way to "wash one's hands" when traditional soap and water are not available. These "waterless" products are particularly popular with parents of small children. Manufacturers of hand sanitizers claim that the sanitizers kill 99.9 percent of germs. Since you naturally use hand sanitizers to cleanse your hands, the assumption is that 99.9 percent of harmful germs are killed by the sanitizers. Recent research suggests that this is not the case.

How do hand sanitizers work?

Hand sanitizers work by stripping away the outer layer of oil on the skin. This usually prevents bacteria present in the body from coming to the surface of the hand. However, these bacteria that are normally present in the body are generally not the kinds of bacteria that will make us sick. In a review of the research, Barbara Almanza, an associate professor at Purdue University who teaches safe sanitation practices to workers, came to an interesting conclusion. She notes that the research shows that hand sanitizers do not significantly reduce the number of bacteria on the hand and in some cases may potentially increase the amount of bacteria on the hand. So the question arises, how can the manufacturers make the 99.9 percent claim?

How can the manufacturers make the 99.9 percent claim?

The manufacturers of the products test the products on inanimate surfaces hence they are able to derive the claims of 99.9 percent of bacteria killed. If the products were fully tested on hands, there would no doubt be different results. Since there is inherent complexity in the human hand, testing hands would definitely be more difficult. Using surfaces with controlled variables is an easier way to obtain some type of consistency in the results. But as we are all aware, everyday life is not as consistent.

Current recommendations for hand sanitation

Interestingly enough, the Food and Drug Administration, in regards to regulations concerning proper procedures for food services, recommends that hand sanitizers not be used in place of soap and water but only as an adjunct.

Likewise, Almanza recommends that to properly sanitize the hands, soap and water should be used. A hand sanitizer can not and should not take the place of proper cleansing procedures with soap and water

Answer 2

It depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you wash your hands properly this is ideal. Hand santizer is a good second option when soap and water may not be immediately available. The sanitizer kills the bacteria but does not get rid of the dirt.

The hospital I used to work at would allow you to use either one unless caring for someone who had diarrhea. Sanitizer kills bacteria but not necessarily viruses. It also does not remove the dirt. Remember that your hands almost always have some kind of bacteria on the surface normally. As long as you are not immunocompromized they usually don't cause problems if the skin is intact.

Answer 3

Hand sanitizer is actually one of those things that is helping create super bacteria. Also, whatever is left on your hands after you use hand sanitizer, you're going to want to wash off anyway. Sanitizer will not get rid of toxins left from said dead bacteria. Just wash with soap and water when possible; use the hand sanitizer if you must.

Also, hand sanitizers do have alcohol, which will dry out your skin as surely as using soap all the time will.

Answer 4

No, hand sanitizer is better than soap and water becuase hand sanitizer contains Isopropyl Alcohol or Tinactin which dissinfects much better then soap and water. Soap and water just sloughs off the environemental contaminates while hand sanitizer kills germs and other bacteria that can invade your body. Soap and water does not kill bacteria.

Answer 5

I believe hand sanitizer is just as good as soap and water, it has the bacteria killing ingredients in it. But I myself feel better washing my hands with a good antibacterial soap and warm water if at all possible, I guess it's just the way I was raised. It makes me feel cleaner!

Answer 6

Not quite. Sanitzer kills the bacteria but doesnt wash away the dirt or any toxins the bacteria has created or you come in contact with.

For example, you get gas on your hands pumping gas. Sanitizer won't help, it will just mix with the gasoline.

Barring that, sanitizer is better than nothing.

Answer 7

Well it's certainly not 100%, but research has shown that hand sanitizer, properly used, is more effective than soap and water. Most medical facilities have abandoned the latter for the former.

Answer 8

i personally prefer soap and water because i dont feel my hand really is clean with just sanitizer. so i would usally wash my hands real good and if i feel they arn't clean in a couple of hours than i would most likley use the sanitizer

Answer 9

cleansing soap and water are extra helpful for you in the long term. hand sanitizer can not in simple terms dry out your epidermis whether it additionally kills all the solid bacteria your epidermis desires to be healthful inflicting many different epidermis probelms. I continuously use hand sanitzer while out and approximately yet while given the alternative i will continuously pick cleansing soap and water first.

Answer 10

Hey! Hand sanitizer is better beacause it kills all bacteria 100% of the time. The soap on the other hand, you might miss a spot, so you make they choice ;)