The hand disinfectant can be particularly practical to kill germs when you are on the move or traveling. But while many hand disinfectants claim to kill 99.9% of germs, they are not effective against everything – including certain common bugs that can make you sick.
“The complaint for an efficiency of 99.9% is based on laboratory tests … in ideal conditions” and against specific germs, said Dr Anthony K. LeungCleveland Clinic staff specializing in infectious diseases. “Many factors can affect efficiency, (like) visibly dirty or oily hands, (year) … an insufficient amount of hand disinfectant and a low concentration of alcohol.”
In addition, there are certain types of bacteria, viruses and parasites that are really resistant to the disinfectant of the hands.
We talked about experts from the moment when the disinfectant of the hands is not effective and why, advice on how to use it correctly, and when to opt for hand washing instead.
First of all, how does the hand disinfectant work exactly?
The main active ingredient of alcohol -based manubiers is Isopropanol or ethanol, explained Jason TetroMicrobiologist and author of “The Germinal Code. “When one or the other” comes into contact with the protein of a bacteria or a virus … (IT) causes a large amount of damage that can lead them to no longer work. »»
In other words, alcohol changes or decomposes germs and does not let them infected.
What type of germs is the disinfectant of the hands – and why?
The disinfectant of the hands is ineffective against certain types of pathogens because of the way they are structured.
This includes certain current viruses, such as norovirus (The bug of the very contagious stomach) and the adenovirus and the rhinovirus (both cause cold symptoms), said Leung. But why?
They did not “envelope” (an outer layer of lipids / fats that many viruses have). This outer layer can be disturbed by alcohol, which makes them work, said Tetro. But when the viruses are not wrapped, alcohol has more difficulty in entering the virus and “it is pushed”.
For bacteria, certain types “can form spores, which protect them () in difficult environments,” added Leung.
Think of spores like a tank, Tetro said. The interior of the bacteria is protected by this strong material outside.
“Alcohol can do damage, but will simply not allow all diapers,” he said.
Difficult clostridium (which causes an infected colon and severe diarrhea) is an example of this type of bacteria which can survive against the disinfectant of the hands, according to Mayo clinic.
Finally, some parasites who have a “hard exterior shell” are also resistant to alcohol, said Leung.
For example, cryptosporidiumWhich is the main cause of water-borne disease in the United States, has a “bomb shelter” which “completely protects the inner structure,” said Tetro. The use of alcohol “would be like launching a ping-pong ball on it”.
So when should you opt for hand washing instead of using a hand disinfectant?
Hand washing is always preferred when possible, according to Dr Soniya GandhiChief doctor associated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. But it is important to use the “appropriate technique” so that it really works.
“Lather (and) rub (your) hands to create friction … (scrub) for at least 20 seconds”, advised Gandhi. “Dry (your) hands carefully after washing well because wet hands can more easily transmit germs.”
If you do not have access to soap and water, the use of the hand disinfectant is the next best option, she said. Here’s how to use it correctly to maximize efficiency:
- Make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol. “These higher concentration disinfectants are more effective in killing germs than those with lower alcohol concentrations,” Gandhi said.
- Press the appropriate quantity of disinfectant on your hands. “Use enough … to keep your hands wet for 15 to 20 seconds while you rub,” said Tetro.
- Rub it completely in both hands. “Not only (on) the palms but (also) between the fingers,” added Leung.
- Do not wipe the disinfectant. Let it dry on your hands, Gandhi said.
Remember that the hand disinfectant does not work against all germs. Leung particularly recommends you to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating and preparing food, after manipulating the garbage and after touched or sneezed in your hands. In addition, the sleeves are not effective in eliminating harmful chemicals or when your hands are visibly dirty or oily.
Do not forget these other simple ways to avoid the disease.
These tips can provide an additional layer of protective against infected by germs, including those who are resistant to alcohol:
- When your hands are not clean, avoid touching your face. “Surfaces such as (your) eyes and your mucous membranes have mucous membranes and easily serve as a port of entry” for germs, “said Leung.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When someone is sick, use a whitening solution Or Disinfectant product recorded by EPA.
- “If there are clothes (or) soiled linen with vomiting excrement (or), wash the items with a detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle and dry to the highest heat adjustment,” recommended Gandhi.
- Avoid preparing or manipulating food for others if you are sick, she said. Wait at least 48 hours after the disappearance of your symptoms.
Finally, do not underestimate the power to wash your hands. It is the “Standard in gold to eliminate germs” and “the most powerful tool that we owe … prevent … falling sick,” said Gandhi.
