In our previous edition to this article entitled “Hand Sanitizer and COVID – 19 – Understanding the Misunderstood”, we had informed you how washing hands with plain soap and water is considered as more effective than hand sanitizers to prevent Corona Virus Infection. Many more queries were raised by our readers in this context. Hence, this has pleasantly forced us to publish the Part 2 of our most popular topic “Hand Sanitizer and COVID – 19 – Understanding the Misunderstood”.

In our previous edition to this article, we had already explained in detail how washing hands with plain soap and water is considered as “the best way” to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick. Washing hands should be thorough and shall be done at least for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol are recommended if soap and water are not available.

Few of readers raised the query about the type of soap to be used??. It is highly recommended that one should use plain soap and water to wash hands. There is no scientific evidence available as on date that any antibacterial soap is more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. In fact, some data suggests that antibacterial ingredients could do more harm than good in the long-term and more research is needed.

Another issue raised was w.r.t. usage of non-alcohol hand sanitizer??. This is to again clarify that the Centre for Disease Control, USA and World Health Organization, Geneva had specifically informed to use only Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Some readers suggested to add alcohol to non-alcohol hand sanitizers??. The answer to this query is a big NO. Addition of alcohol to an existing non-alcohol hand sanitizer shall render it as ineffective product.

Hand sanitizers shall be stored out of reach, and sight, of children. It should not be stored above 105°F. Children should be advised to not touch their eyes after applying hand sanitizers.

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