hand sanitizer tips

Hand Sanitizer Tips

With COVID-19 cases rising and Winter already here, it’s important to understand the various types of hand sanitizer. COVID is deadly, so taking every precaution, including consistent hand sanitizer use will be critical to stop the spread.

What is COVID-19?

Corona Virus (COVID19) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus that causes illness in humans. The first case of the disease was reported in China and has since spread all Over the world. It is estimated it may take you between 5 to 6 days to display symptoms upon infection with an extension of up to 14 days.

Most individuals infected with the COVID-19 virus tend to experience mild or moderate respiratory illness and eventually recover without needing specialized treatment. The disease tends to affect people over the age of 60 in a more dangerous way.

The other prevalent group are those individuals with underlying medical problems causing them to have serious illnesses after becoming infected. These problems include diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases cancer, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

What Are Hand Sanitizers?

Hand sanitizers, also known as hand antiseptic, are agents applied on the hands to kill or remove pathogens. Hand sanitizers come in an array of forms from liquid, or gel or foam. Hand sanitizers have been recommended as one of the measures in the fights against the Coronavirus.

Both the WHO and CDC have recommended using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers with 60-95% alcohol content in the fight against COVID-19. Moreover, they are best used when soap and water are not available for hand washing.

Ingredients Used In Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are produced in two categories. The alcohol-based hand sanitizers denoted as ABHS, and the non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers indicated as NABHS.

Non-Alcohol Based Sanitizers (NABHS)

  • The primary ingredient is benzalkonium chloride, quaternary ammonium commonly used in the manufacture of disinfectants.
  • Disinfectants made from benzalkonium chloride are less irritative compared to alcohol based. However, advanced studies have shown that they eventually tend to cause dermatitis.
  • NABHS are considered less problematic regard lower inflammability capacity and potential to abuse.

Alcohol Based Sanitizers (ABHS)

  • They are made of isopropyl alcohol, propanol, ethanol, or a mixture of all these. They also have components of water, humectants, and excipients.
  • ABHS with a ratio of between 60-90% of alcohol is considered the best bulky hand sanitizers and useful, especially in the fight against coronavirus.
  • Humectants are useful to prevent the skin from dehydrating.
  • Excipients give the sanitizer a prolonged time for the alcohol to evaporate those increasing its effectiveness to fight germs. The component is also useful in stabilization of the sanitizer.
  • ABHS compared to NABHS are less friendly to the skin, and repeated usage may cause sculling
  • ABHS are widely used and most preferred in the health set up due to their excellent chances of managing the spread of infections and viruses.
  • The cost of manufacturing and purchase for ABHSC is also lower compared to NABHS.

How Does Hand Sanitizer Work?

Hand sanitizers work by killing microbial cells. This is due to the component of 60-90% isopropanol alcohol. Studies have proved that this is the ideal percentage of rubbing alcohol which is useful in killing germs. The effectivity can be increased if the rate reaches 100%, although the side effects on the skin will be excessive irritation or scaling.

Moreover, the sanitizer has water in it, which enable maximum penetration. In the fight against coronavirus, hand sanitizers work by destroying the outer cell membrane of the virus, thus exposing it and causing a natural death of the virus.

Importance of Hand Sanitizer Use

  • To promote good hygiene and health, thus increasing productivity in the level of specialty.
  • To reduce waste: Hand sanitizers have significantly reduced the need for paper towels and disinfectant wipes, which reduces waste.
  • To stop the spread of germs: It is obvious we do not wash our hands regularly; hence sanitizers are the best alternatives to combat harmful bacteria.

Importance of Hand Sanitizer Use

Hand sanitizers primary function is to fight and kill germs: The effectiveness of the product is subject to how properly you use it. Below are tips to follow.

  • Apply the right amount: Always apply enough to through smear every part of your hands. Do not forget the backside and in between the fingers.
  • Rub it until you hand dries up: By doing this, you are guaranteed the liquid has covered essential parts of your hand.
  • Refrain from using hand sanitizers on dirty hands: The primary function of hand sanitizers is to disinfect and not to clean.

Conclusion

Proper use of hand sanitizers as well as observing other guidelines provided by WHO and local governments will go on a long way in fighting this deadly virus. Although there have been shortages of hand sanitizer across the US this year, you can still find great pricing on our bulk hand sanitizer to satisfy your personal hand sanitizer demand. Feel free to reach out for a free quote.

We have access to suppliers that can help your business or organization get sanitizer in multiple types. These include both gel and liquid sanitizer, private label sanitizer and sanitizer in bottles, drums, totes and tankers.