From smartphones to door knobs, almost everywhere we touch is somewhat inflicted by germs and infection. You will be shocked to know that, according to Allied Market Research projects, it had been reported in year 2018 that the total addressable market for hand sanitizers will reach $1.75 billion – yes, you that’s right – by the end of 2023! Keep reading to find out more about the pros and cons of hand sanitizers.
Benefits: Why is it the best on-the-go sanitation solution?
- More effective towards germs
It has been found that hand sanitizers are more effective for cleaning dirt than soap. According to the guidelines put down by World Health Organization’s (WHO), an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is more effective than plain soap and water when it comes to avoiding the transmission of infectious bacteria. Also, it has been reported by WHO that hand sanitizers are more effective in eliminating bacteria for the people working in the healthcare sector and the catheters used by patients.
- Suits your skin
Several studies have been found which indicate that hand sanitizers contain emollients which are non-cosmetic moisturizers (good for skin health) and thus prove better than soap. It has been found in a study conducted by Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine that the count and rate of microbe and infection are similar in both the cases of sanitizers and soaps.
- Effective against the flu
And there comes the flu season spreading infections everywhere – what should you do? Well, every person has a different defence mechanism and thus immunity levels which thereby increases or decreases the susceptibility to catch the infections. You can get the flu from everywhere – the lift button, the door handle, the public transport or touching anywhere for that matter. It is impossible to go through with the soap and water sanitation technique all the time and thus hand sanitizer plays the best role as the on-the-go solution.
Disadvantages: Why are the set of demerits you need to be aware of?
- Offers a Short-term Solution
It is true that hand sanitizer works as a saviour when you do not have access to soap and water. If you do not use sanitizers with at least 60 per cent alcohol content, it might turn out to be ineffective.
- Alcohol Toxicity
Most of the hand sanitizers have ethyl or isopropyl alcohol in large proportions. It this high-alcohol content sanitation liquid is ingested, it may lead to alcohol toxicity. It has been reported that between the years 2011 to 2015, by U.S. poison control centres, that more than 85,000 calls about children exposed to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Children tend to swallow it if the hand sanitizers are not kept in adult supervision.
If your use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers becomes frequent, it can possibly wash away the natural oils that are present in your skin resulting in cracking and drying. Dehydrated skin can lead to a number of unfavourable symptoms such as irritation, itching, fine lines, redness, etc.
It is true that hand sanitizer is the best on-the-go sanitation buddy for people, especially in times when COVID-19 is creating havoc in our lives, it’s paramount to know about the benefits and disadvantages that hand sanitizers have to offer. One should use sanitation methods as per circumstances and keep moisturizing your skin for best results.
